Is Pitso Mosimane set to replace Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates? ‘Why not?’

Coach Jose Riveiro is set to leave Orlando Pirates at the end of the ongoing season, ending his reign at the Soweto giants.

The Spaniard took over at the Buccaneers in the 2022/23 season and has so far delivered five trophies. He might deliver more before his exit as Bucs are in the Nedbank Cup final as well as the Caf Champions League semi-final, and in the race for the Premier Soccer League as well.

Many coaches have been linked with a move to Pirates; among them is celebrated South African tactician Pitso Mosimane who is currently a free agent after his controversial exit from Iranian outfit Esteghlal. 

The 60-year-old concedes he might be interested in taking charge at the Buccaneers if they show interest in him.

‘It must be the right time’

“I have seen [speculations], but nobody has spoken to me; we will see. Why not? It must be for the right project. It must be at the right time,” he told Sowetan during the unveiling of Curro Wilgeheuwel school in his Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) project.

“At the moment, this [PMSS] badge matters more than any other. I’m working with the coaches to ensure they do age-appropriate training. I do corrections as well. Let me build a legacy because once I stop coaching, people won’t remember the trophies I won. Let us get the coaches working. None of these coaches working for us came through the back door. It’s been hectic because I’ve worked every day, but I couldn’t have asked for more. I’m blessed.

“We declared a dispute, but my office is handling that. We came back because we hadn’t been paid, but the matter was taken to the appropriate bodies. When we work, we have to be compensated. It will be sorted out. I’m certain it has been, no worries,” he concluded.