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Five coaches who could replace Rulani at Pirates

There is a lot of pressure that on Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena’s shoulders right now, after a poor start to his stint as permanent head coach of Orlando Pirates. Some even say he is not ready for the job.

Rhulani Mokwena, head coach of Orlando Pirates (Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix)

While Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has backed his man, the fact remains that Pirates are already out of the Caf Champions League and the Telkom Knockout, and languishing way down the table in the Absa Premiership, some 15 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

After every defeat it almost seems that Pirates management’s mind could change, and given this we look at five coaches who could possibly replace Mokwena, if the club do decide enough is enough.

Benni McCarthy

McCarthy hasn’t made his love for the Buccaneers a secret and he has previously stated that he would love to coach Orlando Pirates one day. Having parted ways with Cape Town City and now free to coach any team, this might be a good opportunity for the former Bafana Bafane, striker who has shown that he has grown in his coaching craft in the Cape, making the Mother City based club one of the most formidable sides in the Absa Premiership.

Benni McCarthy (Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix)

Dan Malesela

Malesela has always been loved by Pirates supporters and that’s because many believe his philosophy and style of play, which he implemented at Chippa United, is perfect for Pirates. He even went on to prove his philosophy and coaching methods are one of the best when he took GladAfrica Championship side TS Galaxy to glory in the Nedbank Cup when they beat Kaizer Chiefs last season.

Daniel Malesela, coach of TS Galaxy (Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix)

Gordon Igesund

Without a team after parting way with Highlands Park in 2016, Igesund is one of the top coaches who is available to take the hot seat at Pirates. The 63-year old coach has a vast of experience coaching in the PSL and has also led Bafana Bafana from 2012 to 2014. What many might remember about Igesund is winning the PSL title with Pirates in 2001/2002 season, before going on to win it again with Santos FC the following season.

Gordon Igesund (Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix)

Luc Eymael

The Belgian is one of the most outspoken coaches to have ever graced the Absa Premiership. He once revealed that in 2013 Pirates were keen to bring him on board as their head coach, but that didn’t materialise. Currently, with Black Leopards, there are still some rumours that Eymael might be considered for the coaching job at the Buccaneers.

Luc Eymael (Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix)

Fadlu Davids

The former Maritzburg United coach, who is now Mokwena’s assistant at Bucs is another possible candidate to take over the reins at Pirates. Davids has proved his worth as a head coach at Maritzburg leading the club to their most successful campaign when they finished in fourth place and reaching the club’s first cup final in the Nedbank Cup in the 2017/2018 season.