With Orlando Pirates confirming the shock early departure of head coach Jose Riveiro, the Siya crew has learnt that highly respected African tactician Amir Abdou is currently in South Africa – and is not ruling out the possibility of coaching in the Betway Premiership.
On Monday morning, Pirates issued an official statement announcing that Riveiro will take charge of the Buccaneers for the final time in Tuesday’s league clash against Golden Arrows.
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His contract, initially set to run until June 2025, has been terminated early by mutual agreement, opening the door for major changes in the Soweto giants’ technical team.
But Pirates are not the only club expected to undergo a coaching transition. SuperSport United, Cape Town City, and Marumo Gallants are also understood to be considering changes at the helm, with sources indicating that Abdou’s representatives have already opened discussions with multiple clubs.
“Amir Abdou, who is one of the top coaches in Africa, is in South Africa. Yes, the coach landed a few days ago. We all know his pedigree. He has made history both with Comoros and Mauritania at AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations). His CV speaks volumes, and it is good to see young and experienced coaches on South African shores. We are currently in discussion with a few clubs and a few offers have been tabled but nothing agreed yet. He has a UEFA Pro License and was ranked in the TOP 10 African Coaches at the CAF Awards (2021, 2022, 2023),” a source close to the situation told the Siya crew.
While it’s not confirmed that Abdou is in line to replace Riveiro at Pirates, his presence in the country amid such a volatile coaching landscape is certainly intriguing.
Those close to the matter insist that no doors are being closed, and that the Comoros-born mentor is open to exploring opportunities across the PSL.
A CV Worth Noting:
Amir Abdou’s coaching CV is one of the most impressive in African football. A UEFA Pro License holder, he is best known for his transformative work with Comoros, whom he led to a historic qualification for the AFCON in 2021, defeating Ghana and reaching the Round of 16 in their maiden appearance.
He has also coached Mauritania, guiding them to qualification for AFCON 2023, further cementing his reputation for overachieving with underdog nations.
Other key highlights from Abdou’s resume include:
Over 100 international matches coached at senior national level.
Consistently recognised in the CAF Awards Top 10 Coaches in Africa (2021, 2022, 2023).
Extensive experience developing players in both African and European leagues.
A track record of defensive organisation, team unity, and tactical adaptability.
Fluent in multiple languages and adept at working in multicultural environments.
Read: Bucs Make Big Riveiro Announcement After Final Defeat
Abdou, still only in his early 50s, is seen as a modern African coach who combines technical acumen with player-first leadership – a profile that many in the PSL see as an ideal fit for the evolving demands of South African football.
What Next?
While no formal announcements have been made regarding his next destination, the timing of Abdou’s arrival in Mzansi raises eyebrows, particularly with Pirates now in the market for a new head coach. Whether it’s Ezimnyama or another ambitious PSL club, Amir Abdou is a name to watch closely in the coming weeks.
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