Jose Riveiro’s imminent exit opens the door for the former Orlando Pirates boss. The Buccaneers are gearing up for a major coaching overhaul, and they’ve set their sights on a familiar face, Rulani Mokwena.
A source has revealed that the club is quietly inquiring about Mokwena, with current head coach Jose Riveiro expected to depart at the end of the season. “Rulani(Mokwena) is being courted quietly by Pirates, you know they like to do their business in silence. But it’s still early days with him, but he is slowly becoming the prime candidate,” a source confirmed.
Mokwena’s rocky ride at Wydad sparks exit talks
Rulani Mokwena’s stint at Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco has been anything but smooth. After his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns in June last year, Mokwena took charge of Wydad, bringing along a full South African technical team, including assistant coach Sinethemba Badela and goalkeeper trainer Sean Louw.
But the North African giants have struggled under his leadership, falling short in every competition. The final blow came with a 1-0 loss to Moghreb Atlético Tetuán in the Moroccan Throne Cup, crushing their last hope of silverware this season.
Adding to the turmoil, Mokwena and his team have not received salaries for the past eight months.
Steven Kapeluschnik, Mokwena’s representative, addressed the controversy. “Yes, there have been unpaid wages,” he admitted, while also confirming that the coach will leave Wydad at the end of the season. “It will be a respectful exit.”
Pirates face off between two heavyweights
While Mokwena is gaining traction, former Al Ahly boss Pitso Mosimane has also entered the conversation.
“There are a few coaches to be considered for different reasons, but apparently it’s believed that Pitso (Mosimane) is their preferred candidate,” the source disclosed. “Even if they have not spoken to him yet, he is their first priority.”
This development reveals a clear message from the Pirates’ top brass — they want a seasoned winner to build on Riveiro’s successful legacy.
Second chance at the Helm for Mokwena?
This wouldn’t be Mokwena’s first rodeo with the Soweto giants. In 2019, after Milutin Sredojević’s abrupt resignation, Mokwena stepped in as interim manager. He led the team for 14 matches, recording four wins, five draws, and five losses. Before returning to his assistant role under Josef Zinnbauer.
Now, five years later, Mokwena may finally be ready to take full charge. And Pirates may be ready to hand him the reins.
With Riveiro on his way out and Wydad in disarray, the stars could be aligning for a sensational reunion.
Stay tuned with The South African as Jose Riveiro’s imminent exit opens the door for the former Orlando Pirates boss, Mokwena.
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