With his exit imminent, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has been given his flowers by a fellow Betway Premiership coach.
Last Thursday, the Buccaneers faithful woke up to sour news as the club announced that Riveiro would not be signing a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of June.
The Spaniard joined Pirates in July 2022 on a three-year deal and has delivered five trophies since his arrival.
He has a chance to secure the one trophy that has eluded him in his two-and-a-half seasons in charge, the league title.
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The Soweto giants kept that dream alive with a 1-0 over Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Phuti Mohafe, gracious in defeat, made it a point to praise the departing Spaniard during the post-match press conference.
"Even though it is out of my league, I can say he has done a massive job there (at Pirates)," acknowledged Mohafe.
"So, winning five cups in three seasons at the club is no child’s play.
"You know, winning a cup every season is not easy, so he has contributed massively to our league and the club."
In response, Riveiro offered: "Thank you to Phuti. Like I said many times, I just came here to try to do my best to help my club, help my team get better, to improve, to go to a better place, to go to a better level together with the coaching staff and the support staff.
"So far, I think we did a good job. It is for the people to evaluate what we do each and every day for these players, for the club as well, and directly for South African football as well.
"Like I said, I’m just trying to do my job as good as I can with professionalism, with dedication, with passion and if the consequences of that are getting results...," he continued.
Pirates return to action on Wednesday (18:00) at Orlando, where they take on MC Alger in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal.
