Orlando Pirates are facing a significant transition as the end of the season approaches, with the confirmed departure of Spanish coach José Riveiro.
The news, announced on Thursday, that Riveiro would not be renewing his three-year contract has reverberated throughout the club’s fanbase.
Indeed, Riveiro’s completion of his full contract marks him as only the second Pirates manager in recent memory to achieve this, a feat last accomplished by Ruud Krol.
As the Buccaneers embark on the crucial task of identifying their next head coach, following Riveiro’s impending exit, speculation is rife regarding potential successors.
SBN brings you five candidates who could land up at Orlando Pirates:
Steve Barker
The architect behind Stellenbosch FC’s impressive rise, Steve Barker has consistently overachieved with the Cape Winelands club, particularly considering their financial resources. He has cultivated a formidable and resilient team capable of challenging any opponent in the Premier Soccer League.
Barker’s tenure reached a historic high with Stellenbosch FC securing their first-ever trophy, the Carling Knockout in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a capable and astute manager.
Pitso Mosimane
A towering figure in South African football, Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane’s name invariably surfaces in discussions surrounding top coaching appointments. His illustrious career boasts multiple PSL titles with Mamelodi Sundowns and the coveted CAF Champions League crown.
Interestingly, Mosimane has been a long-term target for Orlando Pirates’ Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, adding a layer of intrigue to this potential move. Having recently concluded his stint in Iran, Mosimane is currently available, and his wealth of experience and proven track record of success, particularly his continental triumph with Sundowns, would undoubtedly be a significant asset for Orlando Pirates as they aim to close the gap on league dominance.
Gavin Hunt
A highly respected and seasoned coach in the South African football landscape, Gavin Hunt stands out with an impressive record of four PSL title victories achieved with different clubs: Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United.
Renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to forge well-drilled and defensively solid teams, Hunt is currently at the helm of SuperSport United. Notably, he has previously alluded to receiving an offer from Orlando Pirates, indicating a mutual interest that could potentially be rekindled.
Rui Vitória
While lacking direct experience in the South African topflight, Portuguese coach Rui Vitória brings a notable pedigree and recent exposure to African football through his management of the Egyptian national team. His resume includes significant success in Europe, having guided Benfica to multiple Portuguese league titles.
Should Orlando Pirates be open to appointing a coach with a broader international perspective and a proven history of securing major trophies within the African continent, Vitória could emerge as a strong contender, possessing a valuable understanding of the African footballing environment.
Marcel Koller
The current manager of Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Marcel Koller boasts an impressive CV highlighted by consecutive CAF Champions League titles in 2023 and 2024. Should Orlando Pirates fail to secure a second CAF star under José Riveiro, the allure of Koller’s continental success might prompt the club to make a determined effort to secure his services.
According to Transfermarkt, Koller’s contract with Al Ahly is set to expire in June 2026, which could open the window for Orlando Pirates to negotiate his release from the Cairo-based club.
Ultimately, the identity of José Riveiro’s successor will hinge on a multitude of factors, including Orlando Pirates’ overarching strategic vision, their financial capabilities, and the specific attributes they prioritize in their next head coach.
The club has officially stated their intention to commence a comprehensive search to identify the most suitable candidate to lead the team into the 2025/26 season and beyond.