Timeline of Coaches under supporters' threat at Pirates

In 1981, Walter da Silva was sacked by Orlando Pirates after he also received a telephone threat not to field any more white players, as a result, striker Keith Broad missed training.

In 1982, Coach Brian ‘Little Corporal’ Goldrick received several threatening and abusive calls from angry fans after two successive defeats by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, the acting Chairman, John Mabaso calmed the stormy waters. However, in 1983 he eventually left after being stoned by furious fans.

In 1997, Augusto Palacious was stoned and escorted by the police out of Pam Brink Stadium after Orlando Pirates were defeated by Hellenic by 3 goals to nil.

In 2001, a group of dissident Orlando Pirates fans attacked Gordon Igesund just prior to his team clinching the championship, he escaped.

In October 2003, another group of dissident Orlando Pirates fans stoned Roy Barreto as he was escorted out of the stadium by the police and security guards. He resigned. Dr. Irvin Khoza said the recent incident at Chatworth stadium where Barreto was escorted out of the stadium under heavy security was one of the reasons that led to the coach taking that decision.

"The incidents of missile throwing at the game against Manning Rangers were not good signs and he then took a decision which we, as the management of the club, respect," Khoza added.

Barreto's departure comes soon after Pirates were bundled out of the Coca-Cola Cup by Rangers.

In September 2007, Orlando Pirates were required to pay the costs of the two disciplinary committee hearings relating to the fracas that was principally directed at former coach Kalambay "Bibey" Mutombo who resigned soon afterwards claiming his health was in jeopardy as a result of the threatening attitude of supporters.

In April 2013, Roger de Sa was escorted out of the stadium by a mob of furious Orlando Pirates fans after their side failed to register a win in 5 successive matches.

By Nkanyiso Mathamba

Twitter: @MathambaNka