Orlando Pirates off-season guide: Pitso Mosimane, Rhulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi - Irvin Khoza needs to make a good decision on who will succeed Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro to help Bucs topple Mamelodi Sundowns

Pirates' most pressing issue ahead of the new season is undoubtedly appointing a new head coach. This isn't just a box to tick — it’s a vital decision that could shape the trajectory of the club’s ambitions. Jose Riveiro may have left the dugout and resurfaced at Al Ahly, but the standards he set during his three-season tenure remain etched in the club’s DNA.

Under his guidance, Pirates lifted five trophies and consistently finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns in the fiercely contested PSL title race. Now, the challenge is to find someone who can build on that legacy. Pirates have the squad, the quality, and the momentum — they just need the right tactician, a “master chef,” to turn those ingredients into a championship-winning recipe.

It’s not about rebuilding; it’s about refining. The right coach must hit the ground running and immediately instil a vision that takes the Buccaneers to the next level. Pirates need to get the coaching appointment right, and here, we overemphasise it.

While the coaching role looms large, there are on-field concerns that also demand attention — chief among them being the full-back positions. The departures of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, who has poured out his heart following his exit, have left significant gaps on both flanks. That leaves Deano Van Rooyen and Deon Hotto as the only seasoned options for those roles, and while they bring experience, depth and fresh competition are essential for a long, grueling season.

To challenge for silverware on multiple fronts, especially the league and Caf Champions League, the Buccaneers must act swiftly in the transfer market to reinforce their wide defensive positions. A lack of depth in such crucial areas could undo the team’s hard work elsewhere on the pitch.

Interestingly, Pirates find themselves in the fortunate position of not having too many underperforming players. Most of the squad acquitted themselves well when given the opportunity last season. That said, there are a few individuals who haven’t hit the heights expected of them, not quite surplus to requirements, but clearly in need of a reset.

Players like Karim Kimvuidi, Goodman Mosele, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been lacking. With a new coach incoming, the pre-season represents a clean slate — an opportunity for these players to reassert themselves and stake a serious claim for regular starting spots.

The future of the Happy People lies in the potential of its young talent, but raw potential needs refinement. Botumelo Radiopane is a prime example. Despite showing promise, his lack of physical presence and tendency to go to ground too easily have hindered his progress. With just one goal in 12 league appearances, Radiopane must improve not only his physicality but also his overall game intelligence if he’s to remain part of the Pirates setup.

Similarly, Mohau Nkota has had a mixed campaign. While his stats in the domestic league — three goals and three assists in 25 appearances- are underwhelming for a player heavily involved in the squad, he showed far more promise in the Champions League, netting four goals and providing two assists in just nine games. That continental form even earned him a Bafana Bafana debut.

But to make the leap from prospect to mainstay like the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Nkota will need to consistently deliver at the highest level. With the Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup dreams potentially on the horizon, now is the time for him to take his game up several notches, making it impossible for Bafana coach Hugo Broos to leave him out.

Percy Tau: The veteran attacker just left Qatar SC and is a free agent who has revealed he is open to re-joining the PSL on a big-money deal.

Rhulani Mokwena: The former Sundowns mentor is back in SA and is known for his soft spot for the Buccaneers and is ready to dive into the Buccaneers' deep waters.

Pitso Mosimane: 'Jingles' has been a free agent for a while and holds Pirates at high regard having played for the Buccaneers.

Manqoba Mngqithi: The astute mentor recently saved Golden Arrows from relegation and is expected to bag a bigger gig soon. His agent has opened up about Pirates link.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba: The 25-year-old Chippa United midfielder has revealed he is keen to play for the top three teams.

PSL latest news

Pirates latest news

PSL transfer news