After Orlando Pirates announced that head coach Jose Riveiro will leave the club at the end of the season, Soccer Laduma features five elements that will be remembered of the 'Spanish guitar'.
Youngsters making an impact
It was a long time since youngsters such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota had such an impact in the senior team, with other young players like Mbezekeli Mbokazi coming up recently.
Before Riveiro was appointed, the last time there was such excitement and quality rewarded with first team minutes was arguably back in the era of Kosta Papic, which was 20 years ago.
Supporters back in numbers
It was hard for Pirates to attract crowds, particularly at Orlando Stadium. However, with the football being played under the Spanish coach and the competitive edge, fans began to flock at Es'godini.
The Buccaneers supporters across the country followed through, with the backing from the fans triggering memories of the 'Happy People', although this time with trophies to shown for exciting and winning football.
READ: 'My Priority Is...' – Riveiro Breaks Silence On Pirates Exit
Competing with Sundowns is possible
Two seasons ago, it was almost a foregone conclusion that no team can compete with Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title.
However, after Pirates came second for two seasons in a row, Riveiro made a real challenge, without big signings and whatever happens, there is now a sense that the Brazilians are not as invincible as they were made out to be.
Trophy haul
Even though the Ghost came second for two seasons, Riveiro's knack for knockout matches ensured Sundowns do not have a complete dominance of domestic trophies.
The Spanish coach led the Buccaneers to five cup finals and won them all, upsetting Masandawana along the way.
READ: Writing Was On the Wall For Riveiro
Love for the team
"He changed Pirates around, he changed my life around, he made me love this team again. He has not only affected the players, he has affected TV licenses payers, he has affected us," Moeneeb Josephs reacted on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.
"Because I was in a state of depression the way the state of our team was (before Riveiro) and life has been different with coach Jose and I can't imagine life, the football at Orlando Pirates without him," Josephs sobbed.
