Orlando Pirates have yet to secure Jose Riveiro’s future despite tabling a three-year extension before the current season. The 49-year-old manager asked to postpone his decision until the season concluded – his request was accepted, but the silence suggests divorce.
Orlando Pirates are reportedly preparing for the worst, shortlisting Pitso Mosimane as a potential successor. But what about club legend Benedict Vilakazi?
It would be a reunion fit for a king, causing the frenzy we saw when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford. Imagine the scenes: Orlando Pirates’ former saviour on the pitch becomes their preacher on the touchline. Goosebumps.
As joyful as the scenario sounds, Vilakazi still needs time to prove himself as a coach; frankly, he’s not ready to take charge, but he’s on the right trajectory.
Where is Vilakazi now?
Following years of football punditry, the Sowetan legend now coaches the next generation of talent at the Prestige Football Development Academy.
“It’s the academy that I have known since 2014, if I remember well,” the Orlando Pirates’ legend said.
“He [Ibrahim Njoya] has asked me to come on board [Prestige Football Development], and after a meeting with him and the CEO, it was decided that I should join. How the academy functions and their objectives and everything that we do were outlined, and I was happy to get involved,
“How the academy functions and their objectives and everything they do were outlined, and I was happy to get involved. I believe that I have made a good decision by getting involved with them,” Vilakazi explained.
“They have an agreement with Mainz, the club from Germany that whenever there are good players who are showing potential here at home, they will be sent to Germany for opportunities and chance to be signed,
“We know that in South Africa it is not always easy for things to happen for aspiring footballers, and I am just happy to be involved in such a project, and I will be working towards helping them get closer to realising their dreams and I am hoping that when opportunities do come their way they will grab them with both hands,” Orlando Pirates’ leading scorer concluded.
He dreams of making it in the PSL; and there’s a good chance he will, the only question is, where?
Who is Orlando Pirates’ top five greats?
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