Orlando Pirates fans and players were recently shocked by coach Jose Riveiro who confirmed he is leaving once his contract expires at the end of the ongoing 2024/25 season.
Since taking over as the Buccaneers coach at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, the Spaniard has helped add quality to the Soweto giants. They have won five trophies since his arrival.
This season, he has helped then reach the Caf Champions League semi-final and are also chasing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League. Pirates have also reached the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup. Who can effectively fill his void? Have a look at five coaches Bucs should consider.
Rulani Mokwena
The vocal 38-year-old, unceremoniously left Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the 2023/24 season after falling out with the bosses. Despite his age, he has massive experience in continental football.
Before leaving Masandawana, he helped them win two Premier Soccer League titles and the inaugural African Football League. The Buccaneers want someone who can deliver on all fronts and Mokwena might just be that coach. He seems unsettled at Wydad Athletic Club which might work in Bucs' advantage.
Paulo Duarte
The Portuguese tactician is currently a free agent after parting ways with Saudi Arabian top tier side Al-Kholood. He has coached some top teams clubs like Le Mans, Sfaxien and national teams like Burkina Faso, Gabon and most recently Togo.
The 56-year-old has initially stated he is ready to coach in Mzansi and we already have a space for him. But will Pirates' management give him a chance?
Benni McCarthy
After leaving English heavyweights Manchester United where he was serving as the strikers' coach, the Bafana Bafana legend made a shocking decision to coach Kenya's national team Harambee Stars.
Yes, he is a few months old, but he might be the man to take Bucs to even greater heights. He delivered at Cape Town City before proving his credentials at AmaZulu. However, will the Soweto giants give him a call?
Pitso Mosimane
Since leaving Al Ahly, Jingles has been unlucky wherever he has gone, since he has not managed to get a long-term project. He is the most successful African coach in the continent when it comes to club football.
The 60-year-old set the foundation at Mamelodi Sundowns, and his impact is being felt to date. The Buccaneers have very exciting young talents and can trust Mosimane to build a very strong team that can dominate. Remember, he knows Mzansi inside out.
Steve Barker
The 57-year-old has been with Stellenbosch since 2017, and in 2023, he helped them win their first-ever major trophy, the Carling Knockout. Something interesting about the former AmaZulu tactician is that he has an eye for talent.
Despite some of his key players leaving, Stellies are still pushing for a place in Caf Competitions next season. They are currently in the Caf Confederation Cup quarter final; now imagine what he can achieve with the Sea Robbers.
