Orlando Pirates might have had a successful season with two trophies won, but the club is aiming bigger for the 2024/25 campaign, insiders have indicated.
The Buccaneers have successfully defended both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies, which has given head coach Jose Riveiro the deserved title in local football as being a cup specialist.
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The Spanish tactician has now won four trophies since his arrival at the Soweto giants in 2022 much to the delight of the club's management and followers.
Going into the new season, the 48-year-old mentor's aim will be to add the league title to his cabinet, which has been dominated by champions Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.
In joining the Buccaneers two years ago, Riveiro had big plans about creating history with the club and part of his plans was to prove his worth by challenging for the league.
Ezimnyama finished second in both seasons under Riveiro so far.
The coach will be working on finally achieving success with the DStv Premiership in the last year of the three-year contract he signed, according to sources.
"The club has been pleased with the coach's progress in the last two seasons and he's got the support of everyone in the team. It is no secret that the coach's wish is to win the league and he's got the support of everyone in his attempt to do it," said the source.
According to sources, on top of the list, Pirates will be expected to fill the assistant coach role following the departure of Riveiro's countryman and right-hand man, Sergio Almenara at the end of the season.
A good thing for Bucs, though, is that the club will still have Mandla Ncikazi who has been the second assistant in Riveiro's technical team, still available after the former Golden Arrows mentor had his contract extended to at least 2026, according to sources.
Ncikazi has been with Pirates since 2021 and has served under different coaches during his tenure.
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Having finalised the signing of exciting midfielder Thalente Mbatha on a permanent deal from SuperSport United, Bucs are linked with a few other players including Matsatsantsa defender Kegan Johannes, Riaan Hanamub of AmaZulu, Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali, Velemseni Ndwandwe from Golden Arrows, Polokwane City's Oswin Appollis, Olivier Toure of Stellenbosch FC and Stephen Aziz Ki from Tanzanian club Young Africans, among others.
"Following the exits of experienced players like Kermit Erasmus and Fortune Makaringe, there will be a few additions to the squad for next season. The club is also prioritising giving opportunities to young players and you can expect to see more in the first team in the new season," the source said.
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