The winds of change are blowing through Mayfair once again.
As Orlando Pirates prepare for a new chapter, the hunt for their next head coach is intensifying—and fans are already buzzing with opinions, debates, and predictions.
With Jose Riveiro set to leave at the end of the season, attention has turned to who will be trusted to lead the Sea Robbers next.
While two big names have dominated early speculation, it seems the club may have a surprise up its sleeve.
Pitso and Rulani Dominate the Rumour Mill
For a while, it looked like a two-horse race. PSL giants Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena were both widely tipped to be the frontrunners for the job.
Their impressive resumes and local experience made them logical choices.
Fans and pundits alike were bracing for one of them to take over at Orlando Pirates.
But in the background, another name was quietly being considered—someone with history at the club and a success story currently unfolding abroad.
Fadlu Davids Emerges as a Dark Horse
Fresh whispers from inside the Pirates camp have revealed that Fadlu Davids, currently the head coach of Tanzania’s Simba SC, is also on the club’s radar.
The former Pirates assistant coach has enjoyed a spectacular season with Simba, bringing them to the brink of their first-ever CAF Champions League title.
After edging out Stellenbosch FC 1-0 over two legs, Davids now faces Moroccan outfit RSB Berkane in a highly anticipated final.
With Simba also chasing domestic glory—just thirteen points behind rivals Young Africans with four games in hand—it’s clear that Davids is in the middle of something big in Dar es Salaam.
Davids Not Ready for a Return to Soweto
Despite the tempting offer from his former club, Davids seems uninterested in returning to South Africa just yet.
According to reports, including from The Citizen, both Orlando Pirates and Raja Casablanca expressed interest in securing his services—but he’s choosing to stay put.
Sources close to the situation say Davids still has “unfinished business” at Simba.
With fans rallying behind him and a historic season in play, he reportedly feels this isn’t the right time to walk away.
Pirates Eye Richards Bay Striker to Boost Firepower
While the coaching decision remains up in the air, Orlando Pirates are also working behind the scenes to strengthen their squad—starting with the striking department.
One name at the top of their wishlist is Richards Bay United’s Yanela Mbuthuma.
A source close to the club revealed that the Pirates are planning to table a formal offer for the young striker, who has been on their radar for some time.
With goals hard to come by this season, a proven finisher is high on their shopping list for the upcoming transfer window.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
With the coaching situation still unresolved and transfer targets being lined up, Orlando Pirates are entering a pivotal phase.
Whether the club sticks with a familiar figure or brings in fresh blood, the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the future of the team for seasons to come.
Who do you think should take over at Pirates? And is Mbuthuma the missing piece up front?