Orlando Pirates will be appointing a new head coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro.
Orlando Pirates are in the market for a new head coach.
So, let’s take a look at all the candidates linked with the Bucs hot seat.
BIG READ – ORLANDO PIRATES NEW COACH: EX-SUNDOWNS COACH BECOMES THE FAVOURITE
FULL LIST OF PIRATES COACHING CANDIDATES – RANKED
1) RULANI MOKWENA (EX-SUNDOWNS AND WYDAD COACH)
Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Mokwena is a free man following his departure from Wydad. Furthermore, he previously coached Pirates on an interim basis in 2019. Meaning, he may want to redeem himself. Moreover, he is available – unattached to any club. So, it comes as no surprise that he is the current front-runner for the Bucs hot seat.
2) PITSO MOSIMANE – THE FANTASY/DREAM PICK
Mosimane is an SA coaching legend. Furthermore, he is also unattached following his suprise exit from El Esteghlal. Now, ‘Jingles’ is back in South Africa. Mosimane serves as a strong candidate for Pirates given his tremendous reputation.
Jose Riveiro has left some pretty big boots to fill following his five domestic cup wins with Pirates. However, if one man can fill those boots it is Mosimane. Mosimane has won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns and Al Ahly. He also made history with the Red Devils – leading them to Africa’s first medal with two succussive bronze medal finishes.
Thereafter, Jingles took Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia from fallen giants to risen soldiers as he earned them promotion back into the top flight of Saudi Arabian football. Unfortunately, things did not work out with Esteghlal but he is available and in SA with Pirates in the market for a top coach.
3) MANDLA NCAKAZI – ASSISTANT COME INTERIM COACH
Ncikazi is the former coach of Pirates. Moreover, he is the current assistant who will take over from Riveiro on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2025/26 PSL campaign. Earlier reports suggest that the Bucs could appoint their next head coach from their internal system.
4) BENNI MCCARTHY – BUCS AND BAFANA BAFANA LEGEND
McCarthy’s heart is very close to Pirates.
As a former player and Bucs legend, Pirates have a special place in McCarthy’s heart.
However, he has just joined Kenyan-outfit Harambee Stars. So, well the move is possible in the future, he is unlikely to leave Kenya any time soon.
WHO SHOULD BE THE NEXT ORLANDO PIRATES HEAD COACH FOLLOWING THE DEOARTURE OF JOSE RIVEIRO AND WHY?
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