Orlando Pirates in Talks With Rulani Mokwena to Replace Jose Riveiro

• Orlando Pirates have opened talks with Rulani Mokwena to fill the head coach vacancy after Jose Riveiro’s departure, according to iDiski Times
• The Buccaneers face stiff competition from CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC, who are also eyeing Mokwena
• Mokwena is expected to bring key changes to the technical team if he agrees to return, with pre-season plans already underway

Orlando Pirates have initiated discussions with former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad AC coach Rulani Mokwena, as they seek a swift replacement for outgoing head coach Jose Riveiro.

Talks are said to have taken place earlier this week, with the Buccaneers looking to secure Mokwena’s return ahead of their pre-season tour to Spain. The club is reportedly keen on giving the new coach ample time to implement his ideas and prepare the squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

Pyramids FC eye Mokwena signature

However, Briefly News previously reported that CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC have also shown interest in Mokwena, adding pressure to the Soweto giants’ negotiation efforts.

Reports indicate that representatives from Pyramids have landed in South Africa to hold discussions with Mokwena, who has been a free agent since parting ways with Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club last month.

The 38-year-old tactician is back in the country, taking a short break while weighing his next move with his management team. Sources indicate that Pyramids are eager to present Mokwena with a vision for the club’s future, with talks expected to intensify in the coming days.

Mokwena, who won four league titles with Sundowns and clinched the inaugural African Football League title, is currently unattached after parting ways with Moroccan giants Wydad AC. He left Wydad with three games remaining in the season, with the club in third place on the log.

Technical team overhaul on the cards

Should an agreement be reached, Mokwena is expected to bring in his own backroom staff to bolster the technical team. His return would mark a homecoming of sorts, having previously led Pirates in 2019 during a brief stint that left a lasting impression on many at the club.

Last week, Mokwena hinted on Soccer Africa that he was open to returning to Pirates, fuelling speculation that the club has been plotting his comeback for some time.

What’s next for the Buccaneers?

With pre-season preparations looming, Pirates will be eager to conclude talks swiftly and avoid losing Mokwena to continental rivals. The coming days could prove decisive in determining who takes charge at Orlando Stadium next season.

Moeneeb Josephs raises concerns over Rulani Mokwena.

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs expressed concern over Rulani Mokwena’s potential return as head coach.

Josephs questioned whether Mokwena is the right fit to replace the outgoing Jose Riveiro, citing past tensions and controversy during Mokwena’s previous stint at the club.

While acknowledging Mokwena’s growth as a coach, Josephs believes the Buccaneers need fresh leadership with new ideas to sustain and build upon Riveiro’s legacy.

Source: Briefly News