Over the past 30 years in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Orlando Pirates have cycled through more than 20 coaches. However, only a select few have made a lasting impact on the club’s legacy.
Despite winning just four league titles in the PSL era, the Buccaneers have experienced significant success, collecting six trophies in the past decade. Coaches like Kosta Papić and Milutin Sredojević played a crucial role in some of Pirates’ best football during their time. Unfortunately, both were unable to secure silverware during their brief tenures, which lasted only two seasons, leaving their potential largely untapped.
The Standout Coaches in Pirates’ PSL History
Interestingly, the most successful Pirates coaches in terms of trophies and longevity have been those who stayed the longest, winning three or more major titles.
Here are the top three coaches who defined Orlando Pirates’ success in the PSL era:
Ruud Krol
The legendary Dutch coach reignited Orlando Pirates’ former glory, guiding them to break a 10-year domestic cup drought. Krol’s tenure was historic, making Pirates the first South African club to complete a treble, winning the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, and Betway Premiership. His time at the helm is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the club’s PSL history, building one of South Africa’s most formidable teams.
Jose Riveiro
When Riveiro joined Orlando Pirates in 2022, his appointment flew under the radar, with some fans skeptical of his credentials. However, the 49-year-old coach quickly proved his worth, leading Pirates to six finals and winning five of them. Under his guidance, the team also reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Although he didn’t clinch the league title, Riveiro’s success in the cup competitions made him one of the club’s most successful managers in recent years.
Gordon Igesund
The retired coach, now 68, made his mark in 2001, securing Pirates’ first-ever PSL title. Despite his one-season tenure, Igesund left a lasting impact before moving on to Santos, where he would later claim another PSL title.
Out of the 20-plus coaches who have come and gone, only Ruud Krol and Jose Riveiro served at Orlando Pirates for three years or more during the PSL era — a testament to their enduring influence on the club’s success.
