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Dingizwe Gwala

The future looks bright for Orlando Pirates young guns despite Jose Riveiro uncertainty and PSL title sliding out of view

Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota & other juniors are ready to take the baton from the senior players at Orlando Pirates as Jose Riveiro might leave.

In football, one of the most vital aspects of a club’s long-term success is ensuring there is a clear and effective succession plan in place. As teams inevitably age, they experience shifts in performance, and with those changes comes the need for strategic planning to secure the future.

At Orlando Pirates, however, Jose Riveiro has been diligent in preparing his team for the road ahead, even though his own future at the club remains uncertain. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, there’s speculation that Riveiro may not be around next year. Yet, should he depart, it’s evident that the foundation for the club’s future is already firmly in place. Riveiro’s careful nurturing of young talent ensures that the next generation of Pirates stars will continue to rise, regardless of what the future holds for him.

In this piece, GOAL takes a closer look at the promising new wave of Orlando Pirates players as the club braces for the potential departure of its head coach at the end of the season.

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  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Relebohile Mofokeng

    Relebohile Mofokeng has quickly become the poster child for young talent in the league. Although his numbers may not reflect a standout season just yet, he remains a key figure in Orlando Pirates' attacking play. Constantly involved in the thick of things, Mofokeng has shown that his influence extends far beyond statistics. At just 20 years old, he’s steadily becoming a regular in the Bafana Bafana squad, inspiring other young players to follow in his footsteps. His rise to prominence is proof that determination and consistent effort will always shine through.

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  • Mohau Nkota, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Mohau Nkota

    Not long after Mofokeng made waves at Pirates, Mohau Nkota followed suit, breaking into the team and capturing the hearts of fans in no time. His breakout season has turned him into a fan favourite, which, while a blessing, brings the pressure of maintaining that adoration with every performance. In a club as demanding as Pirates, consistency is key. Nkota has already shown flashes of brilliance and should the club lose veterans like Deon Hotto, who is nearing the end of his career, Nkota will be more than ready to step into a leading role and make his mark.

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, SuperSport United vs Orlando Pirates, March 2025Backpagepix

    Mbekezeli Mbokazi

    Amidst Pirates’ defensive crisis, coach Riveiro was forced to act swiftly. With key defenders like Thapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, and Thabiso Sesane struggling with injuries, Mbokazi emerged as an unexpected hero. Rather than opting for an external signing, Riveiro trusted in the young defender, and Mbokazi delivered beyond expectations. Playing with the maturity of a seasoned centre-back, he even scored a stunning goal, proving his worth. As the days of veteran captain Innocent Maela and Xoki at Pirates seem numbered, Mbokazi's future at the club looks bright, with many more years ahead in a Bucs shirt.

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  • Siyabonga Ndlozi, Orlando Pirates, January 2025.Orlando Pirates

    Siyabonga Ndlozi

    The right-back position at Pirates also posed a challenge when Thabiso Monyane was sidelined with injury. Enter Siyabonga Ndlozi, a solid, dependable presence who quickly became Riveiro’s go-to option. Ndlozi offers a more defensively solid approach compared to Deano Van Rooyen, with his more reserved style of play providing stability to the backline. While Van Rooyen’s attacking overlaps often take the spotlight, Ndlozi’s focus on defensive discipline has proven invaluable in solidifying the Pirates' defence when needed most.

  • Joseph Makhanya of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    Joseph Makhanya

    Much like the process of refining raw gold into exquisite jewelry, some talents take time to shine. Joseph Makhanya, a former Pirates favourite in his playing days, has been the guiding force behind unearthing some of the club's most promising young stars. His expertise in developing the next generation has been instrumental in nurturing talents now making their mark in the first team. These players represent the future of Orlando Pirates - and, in the long run, the future of Bafana Bafana- thanks to Makhanya’s unwavering commitment to their growth and success.

  • Boitumelo Radiopane and Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

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