Orlando Pirates fans have seen it all—thrilling wins, heartbreak losses, and more coaching changes than most clubs in the PSL.
In fact, over the 30-year history of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, the Buccaneers have had more than 20 different head coaches.
That’s a whole lot of turnover for one of Mzansi’s biggest clubs.
But here’s the thing—despite all the chopping and changing, only a small handful of those coaches have truly left their mark.
Trophies Over Titles: Pirates’ Quiet Dominance in the Past Decade
Even though Orlando Pirates have only managed to clinch four league titles in three decades, they’ve still been one of the most successful South African clubs in recent years.
The secret? Knockout football.
In the past ten years, the Sea Robbers have racked up six trophies, proving that they know how to show up when it matters most.
Interestingly, some of the most entertaining football under the Pirates banner came during the tenures of Kosta Papić and Milutin Sredojević.
Both coaches brought flair and attacking intent, but neither managed to lift silverware before leaving after just two seasons.
The Longer the Stay, the Bigger the Legacy
Looking back, there’s a clear pattern.
The Pirates coaches who stuck around the longest—at least three years—ended up being the ones who won the most.
These were the guys who weren’t just flashes in the pan but architects of silverware hauls and sustained success.
Let’s take a look at the top three who stood above the rest in the PSL era.
Ruud Krol: The Architect of the Treble
Dutchman Ruud Krol didn’t just coach the Pirates—he made history with them.
Under his guidance, the Buccaneers ended a decade-long drought and pulled off one of the greatest feats in South African football: the treble.
That included the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, and the Betway Premiership.
Krol built a team that dominated the local scene and brought back the glory days for the Ghost.
To this day, he’s widely regarded as the best Orlando Pirates coach in the PSL era.
Jose Riveiro: The Underdog Who Delivered
When Jose Riveiro arrived in 2022, many fans didn’t know what to expect.
Some even wrote him off before he’d taken charge of his first match.
But in just a few short years, the soft-spoken Spaniard turned doubters into believers.
He led the team to six finals and brought home five trophies—no small feat by any standard.
While the league title eluded him, Riveiro’s team was no pushover.
He leaves the club as one of its most decorated coaches and a fan favorite.
Gordon Igesund: The One-Season Wonder
Gordon Igesund didn’t stick around long, but he sure made his season count.
In 2001, he became the first coach to guide Pirates to a PSL title.
Unfortunately, he moved on quickly to Santos—where, by the way, he won the title again.
Even though his time with the Buccaneers was brief, he etched his name into club history with that crucial league win.
Consistency Is Key—But Rare
Out of the more than 20 coaches Pirates have had in the PSL era, only Krol and Riveiro lasted a full three years.
That says a lot about the challenges of staying in the hot seat at such a high-pressure club.
It also explains why coaching stability has often been the missing piece in their pursuit of more league titles.
So, Who’s Your Favourite Bucs Boss?
Every Pirates supporter has their favorite—from the tacticians who built dynasties to the motivators who brought home quick silverware.
But one thing’s for sure: the next person to step into that role will have some big boots to fill.
What’s Next?
With Jose Riveiro’s departure confirmed, the club now faces a familiar question: who will be the next to try and write their name into Buccaneers history? Whether it’s a return for a former coach, a homegrown talent, or a fresh face from abroad, fans will be watching—and hoping—for another name to add to the shortlist of Pirates legends.