With José Riveiro set to depart Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, the search for his replacement has ignited significant debate.
One of the names frequently suggested to take over the managerial vacancy at the Buccaneers is Rulani Mokwena.
However, the idea of Mokwena stepping into Riveiro’s shoes has faced resistance from within Pirates supporters, including former Bucs goalkeeper and club legend, Moeneeb Josephs.
Josephs, a revered figure at the club, has made it clear that he does not support the notion of Mokwena succeeding Riveiro.
The decision is particularly significant given the high bar set by the Spanish coach, who guided Pirates to five trophies in just three seasons.
Riveiro’s tenure is far from over, as he still has the opportunity to add to that impressive tally, with Pirates already securing a spot in the final of the Nedbank Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
Whoever is chosen to replace Riveiro will face the enormous challenge of continuing this success. The expectations are immense, with the club’s recent achievements setting a lofty standard for the next manager.
“I think he’s been doing well, he’s gone there to challenge himself, and you can see the progress that he’s been making,” Moeneeb said on Soccerbeat.
“For any South African going to North Africa, there’s always a challenge, we always hear this bad and negative press coming from there about the way people get treated.
“It’s always tough, but he has taken the team and progressed with them, and you can see the improvement.”
Meanwhile, Mokwena’s future at Wydad AC appears uncertain. Despite being third in the Botola Pro League, Mokwena is set to part ways with the Moroccan giants at the end of the season.
His tenure has been underwhelming, as the club’s management had hoped for more, especially after the 38-year-old appointment followed Wydad’s disappointing sixth-place finish in the 2023/24 season.
The prospect of Mokwena taking over at Pirates raises questions, not just because of his recent struggles, but also due to the high level of success Riveiro has enjoyed.
As the search for the next head coach continues, it remains to be seen who will be entrusted with the task of maintaining the Buccaneers’ momentum.
“If we’re looking at wanting to bring him back to Orlando Pirates, as good a coach as he is, why would we put on old shoes again? Why would you go back again?
“From what I can remember, when he was by us, there were a whole lot of issues, there were tantrums, our supporters weren’t too happy as well.
“It was boiling there with him (at the helm). For me, he left a sour taste in my mouth when he left Orlando Pirates,” he continued.
“At Orlando Pirates, we’ve got this culture that coach Jose has brought. We don’t won’t need someone to come and change that culture. We need someone to add to that culture.
“I love him as a coach, but I understand that there’s a lot of ego involved, and we don’t need that at the moment.
“In my personal opinion, we don’t need an ego there now. We need someone who’s going to work with his players who understands where they are in their careers and to take them to that next level.”
