Mokwena given four games at Pirates?

The Orlando Pirates hierarchy are planning to meet on Rhulani Mokwena’s future – this is the information filtering through to the Siya crew out of the Buccaneers’ camp.

Mokwena’s role as the interim head coach has not turned out as anticipated, with last weekend’s loss to PSL newcomers, Stellenbosch FC, placing the highly-rated tactician under more pressure.

The 34-year-old appears to be hanging to his Pirates job by the thinnest of threads, with informants indicating that he is still expected to be in the dugout for the Buccaneers’ Telkom Knockout quarterfinal clash against bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

According to the insiders at Pirates, Saturday’s game – coupled with last night’s result against Highlands Park - are among the four matches that will be analysed closely in determining the way forward for Mokwena and Pirates.

Mokwena has found the going though, and sources have suggested to the crew that it is the Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza, who has backed him and given him his full support after he was appointed interim coach following the shock resignation of Micho Sredojevic in August.

Despite the crew having been informed that Mokwena has been given four games, it is believed that the club is planning to meet in the near future to assess their options going forward. Indications are that the meeting could be held once Khoza, who is out of the country on a business trip this week, returns to Mzansi. But even he might be tempted to make a coaching change, should Mokwena not turn the tide quickly.

Pirates will play Chiefs in back-to-back Soweto Derby matches in November (the other being in the Absa Premiership), with a home fixture against an improving Maritzburg United also sandwiched in-between.

Depending on how the Buccaneers fare there, according to sources, Mokwena will know whether he is given more time, shipped out or kept as an assistant.

There is no doubt that Mokwena is one of South Africa’s best young coaches, and will play a big part in shaping our football going forward. Pirates will know this, which does make their decision more challenging.

Has the timing been wrong or does he need more time? Either way, as a giant of Mzansi football, the club and their supporters will have expectations…