Is Carlos Paz the next Orlando Pirates head coach? Let’s delve in and find out.
Pirates could be on the verge of an internal coaching revolution, as the search for Jose Riveiro’s successor heats up. With the Spaniard set to exit at the end of the 2024/2025 season, the Soweto giants are reportedly leaning toward promoting from within and all signs point to Paz as a leading candidate.
Last Thursday, Orlando Pirates confirmed that head coach Jose Riveiro will leave once his contract expires. The 47-year-old tactician, who took the reins in 2022, officially informed the club of his decision not to renew. His announcement has triggered widespread speculation about who will take over the Buccaneers’ top job.
Paz: Fitness coach or future head coach?
According to sources close to the club, Spanish fitness coach Carlos Nodar Paz is under serious consideration for the head coach position. Although he currently oversees the team’s physical conditioning, Paz brings far more than just fitness expertise to the table.
Having previously coached alongside Riveiro at Spanish club Celta de Vigo, Paz also boasts international experience with East Bengal FC in India and Wuhan Three Towns FC in China. Pirates initially brought him in as a potential replacement for former assistant Sergio Almenara, but reassigned him to another role within the technical team.
Now, his comprehensive coaching résumé and deep connection with the current setup could make him the ideal candidate to maintain momentum at the club.
“He (Paz) is very capable as a coach, that’s what I can tell you, and that’s why the coach went to fetch him from where he was,” a club insider revealed.
“He is part of the coach’s (Riveiro’s) success this season, and his work is recognised and appreciated,” the source added.
Pirates’ homegrown philosophy
Orlando Pirates have a history of valuing internal promotion. Former assistants like Eric Tinkler, Mandla Ncikazi, and Fadlu Davids have all stepped up to the top job in previous years. The club appears poised to follow the same playbook again.
Riveiro’s own success story is a testament to the Pirates’ preference for philosophy over fame. When he arrived in 2022, few in South Africa knew his name. But his tactical intelligence and dedication to youth development quickly earned him admiration.
Under his leadership, young stars like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and others have graduated from the Reserve Team to the first team. Any future coach, including Paz, will be expected to uphold this legacy.
What’s next for the Buccaneers?
With the season nearing its climax, all eyes are on Orlando Pirates’ next move. Will they trust someone who already understands the club’s DNA, or look externally for a fresh perspective?
Regardless of the decision, the post-Riveiro era promises high drama, big opportunities, and potentially, the rise of a new era under Carlos Paz.
Stay tuned with The South African as we ask, is Carlos Paz the next Orlando Pirates head coach?
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