# **Orlando Pirates on the Hunt for a New Head Coach – Who Should They Sign?**
**By [Thobela THABO]**
**June 20, 2024** – Orlando Pirates are at a crossroads. With the recent departure of their head coach, the Buccaneers must now make a crucial decision: **Who will lead the team into the new season?** The Sea Robbers’ faithful are demanding a strong appointment, one who can bring back the glory days and challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for supremacy.
Today, we look at the **top candidates** who could take charge at Orlando Pirates and analyze which coach fits the club’s vision best.
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## **The Search for a New Leader – What Do the Pirates Need?**
Before naming potential candidates, we must understand what Orlando Pirates require in a coach:
✅ **Tactical Brilliance** – Someone who can outthink the likes of Rulani Mokwena.
✅ **Man-Management Skills** – The ability to handle big personalities in the dressing room.
✅ **Winning Mentality** – A coach with a proven track record of lifting trophies.
✅ **Youth Development** – The Pirates have talented youngsters who need guidance.
With these qualities in mind, let’s explore the best options available.
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## **Top 5 Coaches Orlando Pirates Should Consider**
### **1. José Peseiro (Former Nigeria Coach)**
**Why Him?**
– Recently led Nigeria to the **2023 AFCON final**.
– Experienced in African football and understands PSL dynamics.
– Strong defensive organization, which Pirates need.
**Concerns?**
– May demand a high salary.
– Hasn’t coached in South Africa before.
### **2. Benni McCarthy (Former Cape Town City & AmaZulu Coach)**
**Why Him?**
– A Pirates legend as a player, knows the club culture.
– Attacking philosophy that excites fans.
– Improved AmaZulu and took Cape Town City to new heights.
**Concerns?**
– Sometimes clashes with management.
– Needs a strong technical team for support.
### **3. Pitso Mosimane (Free Agent)**
**Why Him?**
– The most decorated coach in South Africa.
– Knows how to beat Sundowns (his former team).
– Experience in CAF competitions (useful for Pirates’ continental ambitions).
**Concerns?**
– Would he join Pirates after his Sundowns history?
– High cost, but worth it for a serial winner.
### **4. Rhulani Mokwena (If Available)**
**Why Him?**
– Tactical genius, the best young coach in SA.
– Knows Pirates well (former assistant).
– Could bring a new era of dominance.
**Concerns?**
– Unlikely to leave Sundowns unless forced out.
– Would fans accept a former rival coach?
### **5. Manqoba Mngqithi (Former Sundowns Co-Coach)**
**Why Him?**
– Vast experience in the PSL.
– Great man-manager, can stabilize the team.
– Knows how to develop young talent.
**Concerns?**
– Not as attack-minded as Pirates fans may want.
– Needs to prove he can lead alone, not just as an assistant.
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## **What Should the Pirates Do Next?**
The club’s management must act **quickly but wisely**. The ideal candidate should:
🔹 **Bring a clear playing style** (attacking football preferred).
🔹 **Handle pressure** (Pirates fans demand success).
🔹 **Work within the budget** (no reckless spending).
A dream scenario? **Pitso Mosimane** taking charge and turning Pirates into title contenders again. But if not, **Benni McCarthy** or **José Peseiro** could be fantastic alternatives.
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## **Fan Reactions – Who Do the Supporters Want?**
Orlando Pirates fans are divided:
*”Bring Pitso! He’s the only one who can challenge Sundowns!”* – @TrueBuccaneer
*”Benni McCarthy understands Pirates’ DNA. He’s the right man!”* – @SeaRobber4Life
*”Why not try a foreign coach like Peseiro? Fresh ideas!”* – @PiratesWorld
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### **Final Verdict – Who Will It Be?**
The next few weeks will be critical. Orlando Pirates cannot afford another failed appointment. The right coach could bring back the **MTN8, Nedbank Cup, or even the league title**.
**Who do YOU think should be the next Orlando Pirates coach? Comment below!**
