Rulani Mokwena in talks for dramatic Orlando Pirates return
Orlando Pirates have reportedly opened discussions with Rulani Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club head coach, as they seek a successor to Jose Riveiro.
According to the latest information, the Buccaneers held talks with Mokwena earlier this week to discuss the possibility of him returning to the helm. However, the club faces tough competition, with CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC also believed to be vying for his services.
Mokwena, who left Wydad AC with three games left in the season.
Should Pirates finalise the deal, the 38-year-old tactician is expected to bring in fresh faces to bolster the technical team. The club wants to conclude negotiations swiftly to allow the new coach sufficient time to prepare for their upcoming pre-season tour in Spain.
Mokwena previously served at Pirates in 2019, and a return could reignite hopes of silverware among the fans. His recent stint at Sundowns brought four league titles and success in the African Football League, proving his credentials at the highest level.
By acting fast, Pirates hope to re-establish themselves as title contenders and bring back a coach who knows the club's DNA.
Given the cup success of Orlando Pirates and Rulani Mokwena's recent experiences at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad AC, would his return to the Buccaneers be a strategically sound decision for both the coach and the club?
What potential advantages or challenges could arise from rekindling this relationship, and how might his return impact Pirates' ambitions domestically and in continental competitions?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
'No single footballer is bigger than the mighty Orlando Pirates'
Orlando Pirates have a massive winter ahead of them with incoming and outgoings expected. Can they ship Monnapule Saleng off to the highest bidder? 27-year-old Saleng has attracted interest from Europe. The mercurial winger is at an impasse with the club after not featuring in 2025. The player's reluctance to stay is a big issue, but that doesn't mean they can't get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn't command a decent fee. There was reported interest from Monaco in France's Ligue 1 and Standard Liege in Belgium. They should be looking to recover at least half (R22 million), especially if they can bring Sundowns to the market. The main question there is, do they want to strengthen a rival? Rulani drops cryptic comments amid Pirates links R40 million, or something in that ball-park, would be a wonderful amount of money for the board to use when securing more local talent. If no single player is bigger than their club, then everyone's got a price. Sesane fitness update Will the Chiefs slayer return? Image: @orlandopirates / X Will Saleng still be in the PSL next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates' most important player is returning
Orlando Pirates might have felt downcast after how 2024-2025 ended. However, there are new reasons to be optimistic. Thabiso Sesane is aiming to be fit for the new season. The Pirates board are also proactively looking at ways to improve the squad in the market. Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. His quiet authority and ability to marshal the back four are priceless. Rulani drops cryptic comments amid Pirates links According to FARPost , Paseka Mako has joined Kaizer Chiefs until 2028 after signing a three-year deal. 'The diminutive wingback has agreed to a three-year deal with Kaizer Chiefs, effective July 1.' Like a shortfin Mako shark, Paseka is quick, snappy, compact and aggressive. Mako made 26 appearances in the 2024-2025 season. 2020-2021 was arguably his finest campaign, with four assists in 20 league outings. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Deon Hotto faces an uncertain long-term future. Thabiso Monyane, meanwhile, is also on the brink of a move to Chiefs after 13 years with Orlando Pirates. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Another Congolese attacker
In the past three seasons, Kaizer Chiefs have signed two attacking players from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It started with the striker/winger Christian Saile, and then in January by the lanky winger Glody Lilepo. According to this new report, Kaizer Chiefs now have eyes on a Congolese attacking midfielder named Maxi Ngenzeli from Young Africans in Tanzania. Ngenzeli will not be new to coach Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian mentor fine-tuned the goal-scoring midfielder in the 2021/22 season at Yanga. New Orlando Pirates winger: 'I can attack and I can defend' 'At the moment the club has not yet signed some of the players who they want nor those they are looking at,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'It's believed that they are spreading the search wide so that they can get the kind of players they really need this season. 'Apparently, Maxwell Nzengeli is one player they are also looking at. Coach Nabi knows him already, and the scouts and recruiters are also believed to have liked him and are looking at the possibility of getting him, depending on the conditions around the transfer. Two PSL clubs in for Sundowns outcast 'The players are expected to return to the club for pre-season training at the end of the month so that they can prepare for the trip to Holland and the team is working hard to have new signings available for the European trip. 'So it's believed that by the first week of July, most of the new signings will be unveiled,' the source added. Orlando Pirates lineup with the new signings Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
