
New coach alert? Orlando Pirates target addresses links!
Orlando Pirates continue to keep their cards closed regarding who will be Jose Riveiro's successor; but former Mamelodi Sundowns managers Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are rumoured to be on their radar.
However, both are being monitored by North African giants Zamalek FC, who will be flying high after their recent Egytpian Cup triumph over Pyramids FC.
Mokwena addressed the links, which will have the Buccaneers pondering whether he wants to fight for the job.
'I didn't hear from them (Zamalek) after I had said I heard that coach Pitso was also in the running for this position,' Mokwena told SuperSport's Africa Soccer show.
'My relationship and my respect for him would not allow me to compete for the same coaching job with coach Pitso. It just wouldn't sit well with me, so I pulled out. I said I would rather they give it to Pitso.'
'Exactly what you are saying, my agent said, 'But this is a big club', and I said my respect for Pitso and what he has done for my career wouldn't allow me to do that.'
While the future surrounding Monnapule Saleng continues to drag out with little-to-no clarity, Orlando Pirates are reportedly in the hunt for starlet Jaedin Rhodes – another sign that the 27-year-old's days in Soweto are limited
'One of those reinforcements could be a long-time target, Jaedin Rhodes. Although the 22-year-old has endured an underwhelming season with Cape Town City, he remains a high priority on the Buccaneers' list,' a source said.
'The club [Orlando Pirates] has been met with resistance by City in previous attempts to lure Rhodes to Gauteng, but according to sources, will try once more in the upcoming window. Complicating matters will be the Citizens' peculiar situation.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
38 minutes ago
- The South African
Springboks unfazed by rain forecast for Barbarians game
This Saturday's match in Cape Town marks the first encounter between the Springboks and Barbarians since 2016, and it's the first time ever the teams will cross paths on South African soil. Unfortunately, a strong cold front is expected to hit Cape Town from Wednesday, bringing plenty of rain with it this week. Heavy cloud cover and some persistent rainfall is also forecast for most of Saturday, and so perhaps the expectation for free-flowing attacking rugby will need to be watered down to some degree. With that weather forecast in mind for Saturday, Springbok attack coach Tony Brown said although it could influence the match, he was comfortable that the Springboks would be able to cope. 'It's obviously tougher playing attacking rugby in the rain, but we are an adaptable team,' said Brown. 'It might be tougher for the Barbarians given their style of play, but we feel we know what is expected of our players.' Zoning in on what they expected from the Barbarians, Brown said: 'They are renowned for their attacking rugby, and they are very unpredictable, so we have to be prepared for that and prepare as well as possible for the match.' The Springboks are expected to select a strong backline, which will also include X-factor superstar Cheslin Kolbe. 'I haven't played against them, but from what I've seen, they are a good team with a lot of experienced players, so it will be important for us to stay calm and prepare as well as we can,' said Kolbe. 'It's great to be back. We haven't seen each other in six or seven months, so it was exciting to assemble as a group again. And then being in Cape Town is a home away from home for me, so it's always great playing in the Mother City.' The Springboks will continue their preparations on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will have Thursday off to rest and recuperate, before wrapping up their on-field preparations for the match on Friday with their captains' run. The match kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
All Blacks name FIVE debutants in squad for France Tests
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson named five debutants on Monday in a 33-man squad skippered by Scott Barrett for three Tests against France, as Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder and David Havili missed out. The new faces include forwards Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, and Du'Plessis Kirifi, along with wing Timoci Tavatavanawai. Robertson said the line-up for Tests next month in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton was a balance of 'continuity and opportunity'. 'Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 northern tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year,' he said. 'We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific. 'For the five uncapped players this is a particularly special day,' he added. 'These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad.' The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and centre Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured since 2023 and 2022, respectively. Scott Barrett retains the captaincy, with brother Jordie and veteran flanker Ardie Savea his deputies. 'Scott's leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie,' said Robertson. 'They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.' Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (Crusaders, captain), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa'i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs) Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Sundowns' kasi flavour vs German precision: A battle to remember
Toast of world football Sundowns players pose for a team photograph ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund last Saturday. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP Image: Federico Parra/AFP Mamelodi Sundowns have been winning over new fans thanks to their exploits at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Sundowns, the perennial South African champions known as the Brazilians, kicked off their campaign with an impressive 1-0 win over Ulsan last week. They followed it up with a solid performance against German giants Borussia Dortmund, narrowly losing 4-3. One player who's hit top form and got the world talking is – actual – Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro, who has put in a number of impressive shifts. In their opening game against Ulsan, Sundowns found the back of the net three times, but two of those goals were ruled out. All of them were scored by Iqraam Rayners, with Ribeiro having a hand in each one. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. In Sundowns' second game, Ribeiro stunned everyone in attendance at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati when he scored a brilliant solo goal to put his team in front after just 11 minutes. He picked up the ball in his own half, and slalomed his way past a few Dortmund defenders to slot the ball past Gregor Kobel. It was appropriate that an actual Brazilian was lighting up the stage for a team playing in yellow and blue. The Sundowns style of play, featuring short, slick passes and a patient build-up, which is colloquially known as 'shoe shine and piano,' was on full display, and the world took note. For parts of the game, Dortmund, with their gegenpress, couldn't cope with Sundowns' kasi flavour. Many believe had it not been for Ronwen Williams' mistake in the first half, and Khuliso Mudau's own goal on the hour mark, Sundowns could have walked away with a very famous win. Unfortunately, Sundowns' impressive performances on the world stage mean a number of clubs with big wallets will be taking note of their players. The likes of Ribeiro, Rayners, Teboho Mokoena, and Marcelo Allende might never be seen gracing the PSL again. Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, and Kaizer Chiefs will be looking on and hoping that Sundowns lose a number of their key players ahead of the new season, as that could weaken them. But whatever the future holds, Sundowns have already achieved something far more valuable than silverware – they've earned global respect. For 90 minutes against one of Europe's elite, they showed that South African football belongs on the biggest stages. In a tournament designed to celebrate the best of the best, the Brazilians didn't just show up – they danced, dazzled, and nearly delivered a shock for the ages. IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to [email protected]. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).