Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy, Rhulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi & other coaches likely to take over from Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates

Molefi Ntseki’s journey through South African football has been unconventional, with most of his career spent in the national setup. After a solid tenure managing junior national teams, he ascended to the Bafana Bafana helm. His most notable club role came at Kaizer Chiefs, where despite his best efforts, he struggled to steer the club through a difficult period, and the pressure eventually took its toll. However, Ntseki’s wealth of national team experience makes him a calm, steadying influence- qualities that would serve him well at Pirates. If given the job, he would inherit a team already in good form and poised to build on recent successes, with his task being one of maintaining momentum rather than rebuilding from the ground up.

Rhulani Mokwena has quickly become one of South Africa’s brightest footballing stars, earning recognition across the African continent. As head coach of Wydad Casablanca, he is on a mission to guide the club to a coveted Champions League spot for next season. He becomes a top candidate after he has confirmed he will leave the Red Castle at the end of the season and has been handpicked by a Pirates legend to take over. Though his career started with a brief tenure at Pirates, Mokwena’s tactical brilliance has placed him among the top coaching minds in Mzansi, known for his meticulous attention to detail and sharp understanding of the modern game’s demands. A true son of the soil, Mokwena’s credentials are now etched in gold, having clinched both the PSL title and the African Football League crown last season. His deep-rooted connection to Pirates is undeniable, as he follows in the footsteps of his footballing family - his father Julius ‘KK’ Sono, his uncle Jomo Sono, and his grandfather Eric Sono all donned the famous black and white of the Buccaneers.

Benni McCarthy is undoubtedly South Africa’s most celebrated football figure. With a remarkable coaching journey that includes stints at AmaZulu, Manchester United, and now the Kenyan national team, McCarthy’s career continues to defy expectations. His move to Kenya, though it may appear as a step down, was driven by a deep ambition to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Kenya set to co-host the 2027 tournament. Yet, a return to Pirates represents an opportunity far greater than any before it. The Buccaneers offer McCarthy the stage to make history by becoming the first person to win both the Uefa Champions League and the Caf Champions League - an achievement that would cement his legacy on a continental scale.

Gavin Hunt’s storied career is etched in South African football history, with four league titles and a slew of domestic cups to his name. His recent surprise departure from SuperSport United has left many wondering where the seasoned coach will land next. Though taking a breather during his 60th year, Hunt’s hunger for one last major challenge remains palpable. The Pirates job, with its prestigious history and potential for continental success, could be the perfect fit for him. Hunt’s previous stint at Kaizer Chiefs was not a success, but that doesn’t diminish his capacity to succeed at a big club. With Pirates searching for a new leader, the stars might just be aligning for this footballing veteran to take the reins.

No South African coach has achieved more than Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane. With three Champions League titles, five PSL trophies, and a wealth of domestic cups to his name, his track record is the gold standard in African football. Though currently without a club after his time at Iranian side Esteghlal, Mosimane has never ruled out a return to South Africa - provided the right project comes along. He has often singled out Pirates as the one team capable of challenging his previous club, Sundowns, for continental dominance. With the Buccaneers harbouring aspirations of their own continental glory, Mosimane could be the perfect leader to guide them to the promised land. A return to the club where he once played could reignite his passion and create the perfect storm of experience, ambition, and hunger for success.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s loyalty is unquestionable. Having served Golden Arrows with distinction, where he won the MTN8, and spending over a decade at Sundowns, he has built a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in South Africa. After leaving Sundowns, Mngqithi chose to wait for the right project, and now he finds himself at the helm of Abafana Besthende. However, his tenure at Arrows may be short-lived, as reports suggest he could be eyeing a return to a bigger challenge. With Pirates looking for a new coach, Mngqithi’s agent, Mike Makaab, may already be in talks with the club to gauge the chairman’s interest in a potential replacement for Riveiro. A move to Pirates could offer Mngqithi a fresh and exciting opportunity to showcase his vast experience and further his illustrious career.