Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars Assistant Coach Dismisses Rival South African Tactician Linked to Orlando Pirates Job

Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars assistant coach Moeneeb Josephs has dismissed Orlando Pirates-linked coach Rhulani Mokwena.

The development comes amidst an anticipated fierce succession battle for Jose Riveiro's position at the helm of the South African giants.

The Spaniard is poised to leave the Buccaneers at the end of the season, and his succession talks have already seen top South African tacticians linked, including Mokwena and Moeneeb Josephs’ boss, Benni McCarthy, who is currently the coach of the Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars.

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The Spanish tactician has achieved much with Pirates, winning three MTN8 Cups and two Nedbank Cups.

His succession calls for just as much of a serial winner, and Josephs has taken issue with Mokwena's links.

"We've got this culture here now. So it won't take someone—we don't need someone—to come and change that culture," said Josephs via Soccer Beat.

"We need someone just to add onto that culture. And with a coach like Rhulani, he's gonna need to add his way, his mindset, the way he thinks. You know what I'm saying? And I love him as a coach, but I just understand there's a lot of ego involved, and we do not—we do, at the moment, in my personal opinion—not need an ego there now," added the former Pirates goalkeeper.

"We need someone who's going to work with these players, who understands where they are in their careers, to take them to that next level. Personally, yes, as much as Rhulani can make the team play, for a coach, football is more than just tactics. Football is more than that."

Mokwena has risen through the ranks of South African football to become one of the best tactical minds.

His links to Pirates come on the back of his confirmed exit from Wydad AC at the end of the season, as per Goal.com.

Meanwhile, Pirates are looking to end their season on a high note.

The Buccaneers are poised for an all-important CAF Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Pyramids on Friday.

Riveiro's men were held to a barren draw in South Africa and now travel to Egypt for the return leg.

The side also has a date with Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final, scheduled for May 10.