Rulani Mokwena is the favourite to replace Jose Riveiro as the new head coach of Orlando Pirates, Phakaaathi has learned.
Pirates recently announced that Riveiro will leave the club at the end of the season following a successful three-year stay at the Buccaneers.
Following the announcement, speculation has been rife as to who will be the next head coach of the Pirates.
The job has been reportedly linked to Pitso Mosimane, who was also the leading candidate to replace Riveiro.
However, Phakaaathi has now learned that the Buccaneers have since turned their attention to Mokwena.
“Yes, it’s true that Pitso’s name had come up in the management meetings and was the leading candidate to replace Riveiro, but that changed since Wydad announced that they will release Mokwena at the end of the season. He is now the leading candidate,” said a source
Mokwena will leave Wydad at the end of the current campaign, after only one season with the club.
The former Sundowns coach has endured a difficult spell at Wydad Athletic since joining them at the start of the season. The club has struggled in all competitions and will finish the season without a trophy.
Wydad are currently third in the Botola Pro League, 16 points adrift of leaders RS Berkane.
Mbele set for Pirates return?
Meanwhile, former Pirates administration officer Floyd Mbele is reportedly set to make a dramatic return to the club having left the Buccaneers in 2023.
The experienced Mbele has been working for Sekhukhune United until recently when he parted ways with Babina Noko.
According to reports, following Screamer Tshabalala’s passing Mpumi Khoza has been struggling to run the club on his own and has recommended the rehiring of Mbele.
