Ranked: Top THREE Orlando Pirates coaches in the PSL era
Orlando Pirates has had over 20 coaches since the inception of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), but only five have truly stood out.
Despite having only four league titles to show for their efforts in 30 years, the Buccaneers have been one of the most successful teams in the past decade, winning six trophies. Under Kosta Papić and Milutin Sredojević, Orlando Pirates played some of their best football in the PSL era; however, both coaches failed to win any silverware during their tenure, lasting only two seasons without the opportunity to build upon their foundations.
Ironically, the club's most successful coaches have been those who served the longest, winning three or more trophies during their time at the helm.
Here are the top three Orlando Pirates coaches in the PSL era:
Ruud Krol
The Dutch legend revitalized the glory days of Pirates, helping the team break a 10-year domestic cup drought. Under Krol, the Buccaneers became the first South African club to achieve a treble, winning the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, and Betway Premiership. Krol is regarded as the best Pirates coach in the PSL era, having built one of the most dominant teams in South African football.
Jose Riveiro
The 49-year-old coach joined the team quietly in 2022, with some fans initially dismissing him. However, Riveiro took Orlando Pirates to six finals, winning five, thus establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the club's history. He leaves having guided the team to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. Although he did not secure the league title, he built a formidable team.
Gordon Igesund
The 68-year-old retired coach led the Buccaneers to their first PSL title in 2001. Unfortunately, he only coached the club for one season before moving to Santos, where he also won the PSL title with the Cape Town team.
Out of the 20 coaches, only Ruud Krol and Jose Riveiro lasted three years at Orlando Pirates in the PSL era.
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