Bucs Lekgwathi's take on Rulani-Pirates links
- Martin T
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Former Orlando Pirates captain and club legend, Lucky Lekgwathi, has offered his perspective on the persistent rumours linking former Wydad AC coach Rulani Mokwena with a potential return to the Buccaneers.
The Soweto giants are seeking a new coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro this month. The Spaniard enjoyed a highly successful two-and-a-half-year spell, securing five domestic trophies and reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
At the moment, Mandla Ncikazi is at wheel at Pirates as interim head coach until the end of the season.
Speculation has heavily linked Mokwena, who recently left Wydad AC, with a return to Pirates where he previously served as interim coach in 2019.
Weighing in on the Mokwena-Bucs reports,, Lekgwathi stated that the identity of the coach is less important than their ability to elevate the team. He drew a parallel to Riveiro, who was largely underestimated upon his arrival in South Africa but ultimately silenced his critics with impressive results.
“Look I don’t have a problem with the coach as long as the coach can come and take this team to another level,” said Lekgwathi as quoted by iDiski Times. “Look at Mamelodi Sundowns, Rulani left, they got a new coach and that coach has now won the league and the coach is in the final of the Champions League.
"We played the semifinals of the Champions League this season, so next season we need someone who is going to take us to the final and challenge for the league as you know now our problem is in the league where we are not consistent.
“No matter who is coming, we as supporters, we just need to make sure we support him. When Jose came people called him a plumber and he surprised everyone. We supported the plumber and look where the plumber is today.
“He’s one of the best coaches to have coached Pirates. That’s why I’m saying whoever is coming to coach Orlando Pirates, even if he’s a plumber, let’s support that plumber or carpenter.
