Can former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena achieve more than Jose Riveiro if he lands the Orlando Pirates job? Zwane shares his thoughts

Rhulani Mokwena's name has been mentioned as a candidate for some jobs like Egyptian sides Zamalek and Pyramids FC, as well as Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers are searching for a coach to succeed Jose Riveiro, who is now at Al Ahly.

Pirates legend Eugene Zwane believes that Mokwena is a perfect fit to take over from the Spaniard.

"I agree [that Mokwena has matured], four, five years ago he was still very young, learning the ropes. I think he has picked up experience over the years," Zwane told KickOff.  

"When he was head coach at Sundowns he was thrown in at the deep end but I think he handled that very well.  Aside from the fact that he didn't win the [Caf] Champions League, it doesn't mean he didn't do well [as head coach at Sundowns]. 

"You could see his influence in terms of how Sundowns were playing. You could see how the players were committed under him. I think he has matured as a coach. You saw at Wydad, coaching an array of big names, doing very well, improving the team's possession," added Zwane who is father to Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo. 

"Aside from the fact that he didn't qualify for the Champions League, he did reasonably did well. He is developing his character as a top coach, as a tough coach, as a wily and knowledgeable coach. So I think he qualifies to coach any of the big teams in South Africa at the moment." 

Mokwena has emphasised that he will accept to work with a team that participates in the Caf Champions League.

That makes the Pirates job ideal for him and a challenge to succeed where Riveiro failed if appointed the Buccaneers coach.

But on the domestic front, he would have to match the Spaniard's glowing reputation as a Cup game specialist after Riveiro won five Cup finals in three seasons with the Soweto giants.

The next few days could be important for Mokwena's future as clubs shape up their technical teams and squads.

With Pirates soon expected to regroup for pre-season training, they are expected to appoint a new coach before the start of July.