Orlando Pirates appear to be closing in on the announcement of a new head coach, with former tactician Rulani Mokwena dominating the rumour mill. Following Jose Riveiro’s recent departure to Al Ahly, the Buccaneers have remained tight-lipped about his successor, but a source suggests that Mokwena is firmly in contention.
Mokwena, a former Pirates interim head coach and assistant under Milutin Sredojević, has also coached at Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and most recently, Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club. Now, speculation is intensifying about his potential return to Soweto.
Mokwena is the coach in line
The source has hinted strongly at Mokwena’s candidacy, though an official announcement has not yet been made. A source close to Mokwena revealed that while broader football matters could be discussed, direct questions about a Pirates reunion were deflected, sparking even more interest.
“At the moment no one wants to talk about it but it’s believed that Rulani Mokwena is the coach in line to take over from Jose Riveiro. I can’t say everything is finalised at the moment but things are looking good. For now it’s more about the interest in the coach and Rulani Mokwena is one of those,” the source confirmed.
The Pirates hierarchy seems to be keeping options open, possibly to avoid a last-minute shift in negotiations.
June deadline set for Pirates appointment
With the club’s European pre-season tour fast approaching, management appears determined to finalise the new head coach well before departure. The team is scheduled to leave for Germany in the first week of July. And plans are already underway to ensure the new coach is on board by then.
“The team is expected to leave for pre-season in Germany during the first week of July. So they are planning to have the new coach by that time as part of their pre-season. Let’s wait and see who it will be. Rulani Mokwena’s name is up there on the list,” added the same source.
Will Mokwena be a good fit for Orlando Pirates?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
