With Orlando Pirates officially announcing on Thursday that head coach Jose Riveiro will not renew his contract at the end of the season, the Siya crew investigates whether the club has already identified a preferred candidate to take over.
According to insiders close to the club, former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane is believed to be the top choice for the Houghton-based team.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Pirates were already considering various candidates if Riveiro was to leave, and now that the Spaniard is going to leave then the hypothetical preparations are going to move onto the table. For real. Time is ticking and Bucs need to bring in a new coach for next season, to continue from where Riveiro, one of South African domestic football's most successful coaches, left of.
Right now, siya sources added that Mosimane's name is believed to be at the top of their priorities.
"There are a few coaches to be considered for different reasons but apparently it's believed that Pitso (Mosimane) is their preferred candidate. It's believed that he is their first priority at the moment. That's what the team wants as things stand. Even if they have not spoken to him (behind the scenes) yet, he is their first priority," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
While Mosimane is believed to be Pirates' top choice, a second insider noted that several factors are being taken into account during the selection process.
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"They are saying if they managed to work with Jose Riveiro for three years then why can't they go for a coach like Pitso or even (someone else) higher (paid)? So, they know what they are looking for and they know quality doesn't come cheap. But as you know, although he is their first priority he is not the only one they are looking at. As I said, there are different factors they are looking at," the second insider revealed.
Mosimane is regarded as South Africa's most successful coach ever in terms of achievements in club football. He has won multiple titles with Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Al Ahly.
It remains to be seen if Pirates can secure Mosimane's services as they prepare for the next chapter, life after Riveiro.
With the bombshell news that their head coach would be leaving at the end of the campaign, Bucs will have to refocus on their ambition of challenging for the PSL title, the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. They have already defended their MTN8 title again. Their next task is in the Betway Premiership with a fixture away to Polokwane City on Saturday. Nearly every game is a must-win situation for Bucs at this stage as they need to catch up with leaders Sundowns on the table.
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