Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro as a potential Bafana Bafana head coach?
Hugo Broos’ confirmed exit after the 2026 FIFA World Cup has opened one of the biggest chats in South African football: Who will replace him?
JOSE RIVEIRO ASKED ABOUT THE BAFANA BAFANA JOB
The former Orlando Pirates coach didn’t just win trophies, he stacked them. Three MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cups, and three consecutive second-place league finishes behind Mamelodi Sundowns made him one of the most consistent coaches the PSL has seen in years.
Would he consider taking Bafana Bafana forward? His response didn’t push for the job, but neither did he distance himself.
“I think we have to enjoy the moment. I think South African football is going through a fantastic moment in terms of the domestic competitions,” Riveiro told the media during a Carling Knockout final event.
“Bafana is doing well, going to the AFCON with an opportunity to be extremely competitive and qualified for the World Cup. It’s a moment to enjoy. Whatever is happening right now and whatever is going to happen in the future, it belongs to other people.
“As coaches, we must always be ready and available for every proposal and whatever is coming, but that is something that is not in our hands.
The former Orlando Pirates mentor concluded by saying he fully respects Hugo Broos and his technical team, noting that they have done a fantastic job under difficult circumstances. The Spaniard added that things were not easy for Broos in the beginning, but the Belgian managed to push through the criticism and controversial moments to build a solid team.
SETBACK AFTER ORLANDO PIRATES
Following his exit from Soweto in May, Riveiro joined Africa’s greatest club, Al Ahly, but lasted just three months in Cairo.
The Egyptian giants parted ways with Riveiro in September, just three months after his arrival, following a series of poor performances that left the defending champions placed 12th in the league table. The club announced the exit as a mutual decision, saying the team needed to “realign with ambitions” domestically and across Africa.
A 2–0 home defeat to CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC turned out to be his final match in charge, closing a difficult run where Al Ahly managed only one win in seven games under the Spaniard.
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