Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has weighed in on the ongoing search for the club’s next head coach, identifying two individuals he believes are perfectly suited for the vacant role.
Makola’s endorsements come as the Soweto giants look to fill one of the most high-profile coaching positions in South African football, and he’s convinced these two can bring home the league title.
Pirates have been tight-lipped regarding their hunt for a new gaffer after Jose Riveiro‘s departure. Riveiro left the club towards the end of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Undoubtedly, his time at Pirates was commendable as he brought back smiles to the club’s insatiable supporters.
In addition, the Spaniard helped Pirates account for three MTN8 Cup titles and two Nedbank Cup titles.
WHAT MPHO MAKOLA SAID ABOUT THE VACANT PIRATES JOB
And as the club’s faithful have their fingers crossed, waiting to know who will be appointed, Makola is also eager. The former Pirates midfielder believes Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are the only viable options for the job.
In an interview with FARPost, Makola said only Mokwena and Mosimane have the pedigree to produce what Pirates want. Makola is of the view that Pirates does not need to gamble but should simply opt for a tried and tested coach.
“The best two options are Rulani [Mokwena] and Pitso [Mosimane]. For me, it’s clear and obvious. They are the best. Whoever is coming has a big task at hand. As a matter of fact, the team needs a tried and tested candidate.
“The previous coach [Jose Riveiro] won key titles for the team but couldn’t win the league title. It has been elusive for a long time. So the new coach must be someone with fresh and unique ideas to win the league title.
“Coach Rulani knows the system very well, considering that he has been there before. It’s an added advantage, and coach Pitso is tried and tested both locally and on the continent.
Makola added: “Those are the undoubted and straightforward candidates for the team’s job. It’s the league title that is needed and missed at Orlando Pirates.”
It remains to be seen who the Pirates leadership will select. Furthermore, a number of names have been thrown in the hat for the Bucs job. These include Pablo Franco Martin and Mandla Ncikazi.
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