Veteran football coach Augusto Palacios has decided to leave his beloved Orlando Pirates.
READ | KAIZER CHIEFS SUBJECTED TO ‘HARSH AND UNBEARABLE RESTRICTIONS’ IN ANGOLA
On Tuesday the 69-year-old Peru-born Palacios penned a heart-felt letter of appreciation in which he thanked Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza for allowing him to serve at the Soweto giants.
Palacios’ CV is an impressive one.
READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LATEST: PREDICTED STARTING XI – JANUARY 5
PALACIOS COACHED BAFANA BETWEEN 1992-1994
During his years as a professional footballer he played for a number of clubs in Peru, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Finland, West Germany, South African and Australia.
He also played six internationals for Peru.
Palacios is also a former Bafana Bafana coach (1992-1994), as well as of Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.
AUGUSTO PALACIOS’ LETTER OF APPRECIATION:
‘Augusto Palacios would like to extend his most sincere thanks and appreciation to the chairman of Orlando Pirates FC, Dr Irvin Khoza, for the opportunity provided to him during his nearly two decades at the club,’ read the opening paragraph of the statement.
“It has been an honour to work at this prestigious club,” said Palacios.
“I’ve served in many different roles both in development and in the professional side. Through all of my experiences Dr Khoza always gave me his support and encouragement.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone at the club for their professionalism and dedication. Orlando Pirates FC is more than a club, more than an institution, Pirates is family.”
The statement continued: ‘Palacios will continue to contribute to football development in South Africa as the Johannesburg-based Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy enters its 16th year of developing and nurturing some of the most prodigious talent Mzansi has to offer.
‘The award-winning coach is also currently considering head of development and technical director roles at various PSL clubs, as well as overseas opportunities.’
“My Orlando Pirates experience has allowed me to mentor players and coaches who are now plying their trade professionally. I wish OPFC well in their future endeavours, and I’m sure we’ll encounter each other again soon,” Palacios concluded.
Palacios guided the Buccaneers to their second domestic treble following the exit of Julio Leal in the 2011/12 season and worked closely with Pirates’ development structures.
ALSO READ | MOTJEKA MADISHA’S DEATH REMAINS UNCONFIRMED
