Former Orlando Pirates head coach Ruud Krol has spilt the beans on what led to his departure from the club in 2011.
The Dutch coach was the man who masterminded Pirates’ iconic treble in 2011 but soon left the club. His team continued to win trophies until 2014 but things fell apart from then on until Jose Riveiro stepped in eight years later. Under the Spanish coach, the Buccaneers have lifted five trophies.
Just like with Krol, Riveiro is leaving Orlando Pirates after three seasons. Once again, the Bucs management are forced to look for a new coach, having found success with a foreign coach.
This week, Krol spoke to Hollywoodbets Football Content Creator Joe Hudla on why he left Orlando Pirates after winning the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and the Premier Soccer League.
“I was waiting for Khoza,” Krol said. “They said he was coming… but he never came.”
“Football is like that,” he shrugged.
“You can’t win everything.”
“The late Mr Stanley [Tshabalala] told me the president wanted to talk about a new deal. I waited. And waited. But nothing ever happened. That’s when I knew – I wasn’t wanted anymore.”
Krol reveals what made him leave Orlando Pirates
The Dutch football legend arrived at Pirates in 2008, with the club struggling to win silverware. He signed the likes of Dikgang Mabalane, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Daine Klate in the three years at the club. In 2010, Krol won his first trophy for Orlando Pirates and that season, he went on to claim to more before his abrupt departure.
“When I arrived, Pirates hadn’t tasted success in eight years. I trusted the youth, molded the team. Players like Senzo [Meyiwa], Moeneeb [Josephs], Lucky Lekgwathi, and Isaac Chansa – they were the soul of that team. The balance was perfect,” he said.
Was Krol better than Riveiro?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
