Following the departure of Jose Riveiro, former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids believes the club doesnβt need to look far for a replacement β Rulani Mokwena is the right man for the job.
Riveiro exited the Buccaneers on Tuesday, ending a successful three-year stint in which he secured five trophies. The Spanish coach is reportedly on the verge of joining Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Now coaching Simba SC in Tanzania, Davids expressed confidence in Mokwena during an appearance on Mike Morton Talks Football.
βPirates donβt need to search any further than Coach Rulani,β Davids said. βHe knows the club inside out, he has a relationship with the chairman [Dr. Irvin Khoza], and he plays the kind of football that resonates with the Orlando Pirates identity.β
Davids highlighted Mokwenaβs history with Pirates during the Micho SredojeviΔ era, when they formed a strong partnership that took the fight to Mamelodi Sundowns.
βThis could be a great moment for him. Heβs grown as a coach. His experience, even the difficult stint with Wydad Casablanca, will only make him better,β Davids added.
βThat experience has shaped him. Heβs ready to return and build something of his own at Pirates. Last time, it was him and Micho. Now, it could be Rulaniβs team.β
Mokwena briefly managed the Buccaneers in 2019 but stepped away after a challenging run. He most recently coached Wydad in Morocco, parting ways with the club after just one season.
With Pirates in need of a new leader, Davids is convinced that Mokwenaβs familiarity with the team and his tactical growth make him the perfect candidate.
