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