LISTEN: Legend Ruud Krol talks about why he left Orlando Pirates and his iconic pink shirt

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with former Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol.

Listen below:

Krol has cemented his name in the history books... not only as an Ajax player, but as an Orlando Pirates legend.

In his three years with the Buccaneers (2008-2011), he masterminded the team’s iconic treble.

He arrived at the team when it was in its longest-ever drought and left after producing an MTN8, a Nedbank Cup, and a national league title.

Krol looks back fondly at his time at Pirates, noting that it was about building a quality team with strong, all-round players.  

“The players were working hard and believing in it. They felt that it could also happen, and that was the most important thing… that was the season we had that success.” 

– Ruud Krol, former Orlando Pirates coach

Many fans might remember his iconic pink dress shirt on the sidelines of every game.

Once Krol came to a game wearing that shirt, opponents and fans alike knew that he meant business.

And the good news is, he still has it!

“I have not thrown it away because it is for me, a very good reminder… the years in South Africa with all the lovely people and with Pirates. It’s something that stays with me.” 

– Ruud Krol, former Orlando Pirates coach

Despite his success, Krol left the club at the end of the 2011 season.

He says the chairman had already made plans to replace him with Brazilian coach Julio Cesar Leal.

“When we lost in December against Kaizer Chiefs, after they signed Leal, the Brazilian... I know that – but they didn’t know that I knew – that gave them problems because of course, I was winning and winning.”

– Ruud Krol, former Orlando Pirates coach

“I said if nobody is coming [to speak to me], there are other clubs than Pirates in the world… I wanted to stay because I had other plans.”

– Ruud Krol, former Orlando Pirates coach

Krol left and joined CS Sfaxien, where he won the CAF Confederations Cup.

He says his only regret was not getting the opportunity to win the CAF Champions League with Pirates because ‘we had the team’.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.