Rulani Mokwena tipped to replace Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates
Rulani Mokwena has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Jose Riveiro as head coach of Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2025–2026 season, sources close to the club have revealed.
Riveiro recently confirmed he will step down at the end of the current campaign, concluding a highly successful three-year tenure that yielded five domestic trophies, three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups.
Mokwena, currently at the helm of Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, is expected to depart at the end of the season following a turbulent spell marked by internal disagreements and poor results.
With Wydad out of the league title race and eliminated from the Throne Cup, the former Pirates interim coach is most likely to take over at Buccaneers.
His decorated stint at Mamelodi Sundowns where he claimed four PSL titles and lifted the African Football League has further strengthened his case. According to insiders, Pirates management sees Mokwena as the ideal candidate to carry forward the legacy left by Riveiro.
Fan excitement is building on social media, with former players such as Benedict Vilakazi voicing their support. However, the potential appointment is not without complications. Mokwena’s salary demands, significantly higher than Riveiro’s, could pose a financial hurdle. The club may need to explore player sales or hope for a lucrative CAF Champions League run, which could bring in up to $4 million in prize money.
No official announcement has been made, but all indications point toward Mokwena’s return to the Orlando Stadium.