Speculation surrounding Jose Riveiro’s future as Orlando Pirates head coach has been rife in recent weeks, with reports suggesting this could be the Spaniard’s last season with the Soweto giants.
As expected, the reports about Riveiro’s future have not been taken well by the club’s supporters, who have watched the cub win two domestic Cup doubles in the last two seasons.
At the beginning of the current season, the club won a third straight MTN 8 title, but their inability to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns as the kings of South African football has left a sour taste for many Happy People.
Despite Pirates’ failure to win the league, Riveiro remains a popular figure with the fans. That’s why his comments about his future earlier this week will give many of the supporters sleepless nights.
“… I think there are a lot of things to talk about the team and what’s coming for them, and I think whether Riveiro is going to be or not going to be, or the league or not the league, I think it’s not the time to talk about it, sorry,” Riveiro said.
His refusal to reassure fans and the club that he’s staying suggests there could be something in the rumours that he’s about to walk away. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Should Riveiro leave the club, Ezimnyama Ngenkani EzikaMagebhula shouldn’t find it too difficult to find their next head coach. As one of the biggest clubs on the continent, the club’s email inbox will be inundated with CVs after they start advertising for a new head coach.
One man who should be at the top of their shortlist, and who wouldn’t need to apply is former Bafana Bafana, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundownss coach Pitso Mosimane, currently jobless after his brief stint with Iranian club Esteghlal.
In South African football, no one has a better CV than the legendary Mosimane, who won five league titles with Sundowns, and led them to the promise land as they won the CAF Champions League back in 2016. He was able to win two more continental titles with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, before guiding Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli back to the country’s top flight.
When it comes to winning, Mosimane has been there, done that, and he’s got the T-shirt, and if Pirates are serious about unseating Sundowns at the top of the table, he is someone they should seriously be considering as Riveiro’s successor.
Pitso Mosimane’s arrival at Orlando Pirates would not only signal a statement of intent but also bring a wealth of experience and a winning mentality that the club desperately needs to reclaim its status as South Africa’s dominant force.
His tactical acumen, ability to build formidable squads, and knack for thriving under pressure make him the ideal candidate to challenge Sundowns’ supremacy. More importantly, his deep understanding of African football, coupled with his proven track record in domestic and continental competitions, would give Pirates the edge they’ve been lacking in their pursuit of league glory.
If the Buccaneers truly want to bridge the gap and return to the summit, they must act decisively and bring in a coach who knows exactly what it takes to turn potential into silverware.
Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of or Independent Media.
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