Now that Orlando Pirates have confirmed Jose Riveiro’s exit, they have a golden opportunity to take the club to the next level — starting with one crucial phone call to Pitso Mosimane.
The Soweto giants announced on Thursday afternoon that the Spaniard will be stepping down from his position as the club’s head coach when his contract expires at the end of the season.
During his time as Pirates coach, Riveiro’s family have remained in Spain, and he only sees them at the end of the season. Earlier this year, it was reported that his desire to spend more time with them could have an influence on his decision on whether to sign a new contract or not.
The news of Riveiro’s pending departure have come as a shock for the Ghost, who were hoping to see him lead the club for many years. Under his guidance, the club has managed to win five domestic cup titles in just three years, and are looking to push champions Mamelodi Sundowns all way in the Betway Premiership.
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But, Riveiro’s departure shouldn’t be seen as bad news, especially with former Sundowns boss Pitso Mosimane currently without a job after leaving Iranian club Esteghlal.
In South African football, no one has a better CV than 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 done it all before, 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.
THE LAST DANCE
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) April 3, 2025
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With Mosimane at the helm, Pirates wouldn’t just be aiming to compete—they’d be positioning themselves as genuine title contenders, both domestically and on the continent. His tactical expertise, ability to build formidable squads, and winning pedigree make him the perfect candidate to usher in a new era of dominance for the Buccaneers.
If the club truly wants to challenge Sundowns’ reign, there’s no better choice than Pitso. The call should have been made yesterday.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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