Mabasa praises 'great human being' Jose Riveiro as Orlando Pirates exit nears

Photo Credit - Orlando Pirates.

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has shared why he believes the club will struggle to find a better replacement for head coach Jose Riveiro, who is set to leave at the end of the season.

According to the 28-year-old, the Spanish tactician has achieved a lot during his time with the Soweto giants and credits the coach's huge impact on his career.

"Coach Riveiro is a great human being. I'm not even talking about football, the coach is special, and what he managed to do for this group, and for this club, is really something great," reflected Mabasa, as quoted by SABC Sports.

On Pirates season, Mabasa said: “I'm really proud of the boys and the effort they sustained throughout the season. There are people who will say it hasn't been a good season for us because of what happened in the Champions League and the Nedbank Cup final, but this is football, and we will learn from these lessons.”

Riveiro is expected to be appointed head coach of former African champions Al Ahly of Egypt. Pirates finished second behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership and reached the final of the Nedbank Cup, where they lost 2-1 against Kaizer Chiefs.