Pitso Mosimane breaks silence on Orlando Pirates links insisting he is focused on his soccer schools project but also hinting at PSL return - 'Why not? It must be for the right project'

Orlando Pirates are on the lookout for a new head coach as José Riveiro is set to leave the club after three seasons. During his tenure, the Spaniard led the Buccaneers to a trophy in each campaign, solidifying his place in the club's recent history.

With his departure confirmed, the club is now working behind the scenes to find the right successor. One of the high-profile names linked with the role is Pitso Mosimane, who is currently without a club after parting ways with Iranian club Esteghlal after a pay dispute.

However, Mosimane stated he is focused on his soccer schools project, but remains open to a return to South African domestic football if the right project comes his way.

“I’ve seen it [speculation linking him to the Pirates job], but nobody has spoken to me...we will see,” the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach said as reported by Sowetan.

“Why not? It must be for the right project. It must be at the right time,” he continued.

“I’m back home, yes, but I’m busy with my schools project. Let me focus on it. I’m not seeing any vacancy because I’m on the pitch every day working with kids.

"At the moment, this [PMSS] badge matters more than any other. I’m working with the coaches to ensure they do age-appropriate training. I do corrections as well. Let me build a legacy because once I stop coaching, people won’t remember the trophies I won.

"Let us get the coaches working. None of these coaches working for us came through the backdoor. It’s been hectic because I’ve worked every day, but I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m blessed."

In respect of his last job in Iran, Mosimane said, “We declared a dispute but my office is handling that. We came back because we hadn’t been paid but the matter was taken to appropriate bodies. When we work we have to be compensated.

"It will be sorted out. I’m certain it has been, no worries,” the three-time CAF Champions League winner concluded.

The Pirates coaching job is one of the most high-pressure roles in South African football, and speculation over Riveiro’s replacement has intensified since the Spaniard announced he was leaving.

Some fans have called for Rhulani Mokwena, but club legend Moeneeb Josephs expressed doubts over his fit for the role.

The identity of the new coach will be key in continuing Pirates' recent success and challenging consistently both domestically and in Africa.

Whoever steps into the role will inherit a squad used to silverware, and expectations will be sky-high. The football community in South Africa is watching closely as Pirates weigh their options.

The Buccaneers must quickly shift focus to their crucial CAF Champions League semi-final second leg against Pyramids in Cairo. With a place in the final at stake, this could be their biggest game of the season. A positive result will cap off a strong continental campaign despite the coaching uncertainty.