As Orlando Pirates begin life without head coach Jose Riveiro, the club’s future already seems to be in safe hands – many of them very young ones.
Riveiro, who recently parted ways with the Soweto giants after three trophy-laden seasons, may have moved on, but the pathway he helped build between the club’s youth structures and the senior team is clearly taking shape.
Now, with Hugo Broos naming his 23-man squad for Bafana Bafana’s June international friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique, that foundation is being nationally recognised:
Nine Pirates players have been included – three of them fresh-faced graduates from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side.
Leading the Pack: Relebohile Mofokeng
Already dubbed a future Footballer of the Season, 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is the headline act among this new wave. The talented attacker from Sharpeville whose skills were polished through the Pirates’ DDC ranks, has quickly become a vital part of the Buccaneers’ first team. His fearless dribbling, eye for goal, and big-match composure have not only caught the eye of local fans but of the national selectors too for some time now.
Riveiro’s Hidden Legacy
Although Riveiro was brought in to win silverware – which he did, including three MTN8 titles and two in the Nedbank Cup – his impact on youth development might prove even more enduring. Throughout his tenure, several DDC players were given senior debuts and meaningful minutes in big fixtures, laying the groundwork for the club's longer-term transition. The Bafana call-ups have now validated that process.
Head to the gallery to meet the next generation of Orlando Pirates stars, including those now flying high with Bafana Bafana
