Former Orlando Pirates stars Mark Mayambela and Moeneeb Josephs are divided on Rulani Mokwena’s possible move to the club.
The Sea Robbers are searching for a new coach to replace Jose Riveiro, who stepped down from his coaching job last month.
Riveiro left Pirates in a high-profile move to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly, ending his three-season stay with the Soweto giants. The Spanish tactician joined Pirates in July 2022 and transformed the side into one of the most competitive teams in the PSL and on the African continent.
In the past three seasons, the Ghosts won two successive Nedbank Cup titles and three MTN8 trophies. Pirates also finished as runners-up behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league for three seasons in a row under Riveiro.
Following the departure of the 49-year-old, Pirates are in the market for a new coach to lead the club for the 2025/26 season. Rulani Mokwena is a name that has been linked to the vacant job at Bucs.
WHAT MAYAMBELA SAID ABOUT RULANI MOKWENA
Mayambela says the experience of the former Wydad Casablanca coach can be useful at Pirates, while Moeneeb is against the tactician taking over the job.
“Rulani Mokwena has grown from his first spell at Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and going to Wydad as well,” Mayambela said on SoccerBeat.
“We cannot overlook the experience that he got along the way. He’s been in the CAF Champions League twice and won the league title at Sundowns.
“Rulani is a coach who improves players. A lot of players in South Africa know this. So, I’m certain that if he takes over, he’ll play the best football and take the club to the next level.”
JOSEPHS SAYS PIRATES NEED A NEW FACE
On the other hand, the ex-Pirates goalie Josephs has argued that Mokwena’s previous stint at the Houghton-based side doesn’t make him the best candidate.
“I raised my opinion [about Mokwena], at the end of the day, Pirates will make the decision. Yes, Rulani has experience on the continent,” Josheps said.
“He had a chance to coach the club, and it wasn’t a success. His previous stint with the team doesn’t sit well. I think at Pirates, we need a new face that can continue on the foundation from the previous coach.”
RELATED STORY: Moeneeb Josephs names two Bafana stars Pirates should sign