Top Successful Coaches in the PSL Over the Last 10 Years

From league-winning campaigns to memorable cup triumphs, a couple of coaches have turned South African football upside down between 2016 and 2026. Here are the most successful coaches in PSL history in the last 10 years.

1. Pitso Mosimane

No discussion about successful PSL coaches is complete without Pitso Mosimane.

Although he left Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020, his impact during the decade remains unmatched. Mosimane guided Sundowns to multiple PSL titles and made history by winning the 2016 CAF Champions League, becoming one of the greatest club coaches in African football.

Major Achievements

• Multiple PSL league titles
• 2016 CAF Champions League winner
• CAF Super Cup winner
• MTN8 and Nedbank Cup victories
• Established Sundowns as Africa’s dominant club

Mosimane’s tactical intelligence, player management, and attacking philosophy raised the bar for coaching in South African football. He is one of the most decorated coaches in PSL history.

2. Rulani Mokwena

When Rulani Mokwena took the reins of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s brightest tactical minds emerged.

Sundowns continued to dominate domestically under his reign, winning league titles with alarming regularity and also producing attractive, possession-based football.

Major Achievements

• Multiple PSL league titles
• Strong CAF Champions League campaigns
• One of the league’s highest points-per-game records
• African Football League

Mokwena modernised Sundowns’ playing style and proved that young coaches could compete with experienced veterans. He is considered the best among the young, good coaches in Africa, as he has been travelling across the continent.

3. Gavin Hunt

Experience counts, and there are few more experienced coaches than Gavin Hunt.

The former coach of defunct SuperSport United has consistently ensured his teams were competitive, despite working with smaller budgets than South Africa’s biggest clubs. Hunt’s tactical discipline and ability to bring the best out of young players have earned him massive respect throughout the PSL.

Major Achievements

• Consistent top-four finishes
• MTN8 success
• Excellent youth development
• Longest-serving coach in the modern PSL era

His longevity and consistency make him one of the league’s finest managers.

4. José Riveiro

Many supporters were surprised when Orlando Pirates appointed José Riveiro as head coach in 2022, as he was a relatively unknown figure in South African football. However, the Spanish coach quickly proved his critics wrong by transforming the Buccaneers into one of the most consistent cup-winning teams in the country.

Riveiro’s three seasons at Pirates saw him lift five major domestic trophies, winning three consecutive MTN8 titles (2022, 2023 and 2024) and two Nedbank Cups (2023 and 2024). He also led the club to three consecutive second-placed finishes in the PSL and back into the CAF Champions League, where they made the semi-finals in the 2024/25 season.

Major Achievements

• Three consecutive MTN8 titles
• Two Nedbank Cup titles
• Three consecutive PSL runner-up finishes
• CAF Champions League semi-finalist
• Developed stars such as Relebohile Mofokeng while restoring Orlando Pirates as one of South Africa’s top clubs.

Riveiro’s tactical discipline, attacking football, and ability to perform in knockout competitions made him one of the most respected coaches in the PSL. His success at Pirates earned him international recognition before he departed to join Al Ahly.

5. Abdeslam Ouaddou

Abdeslam Ouaddou has quickly established himself among the elite coaches in the PSL after taking over from Riveiro.

The Moroccan tactician made an immediate impact after arriving in South African football, guiding to major domestic success while introducing a disciplined and attacking style of play.

During the 2025/26 campaign, Ouaddou led Pirates to the Betway Premiership title while also securing both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout, completing one of the most impressive coaching seasons in recent PSL history. His achievements immediately placed him among the league’s top coaches.

Major Achievements

• Betway Premiership champion
• MTN8 winner
• Carling Knockout winner
• Revived Orlando Pirates
• Built one of the league’s strongest defensive units

Ouaddou’s tactical flexibility, leadership, and winning mentality have made him one of the fastest-rising coaches in African football.

6. Steve Barker

Steve Barker has transformed Stellenbosch FC from league newcomers into one of South Africa’s most respected clubs.

His work has been praised for combining attractive football with excellent youth development, helping Stellenbosch become genuine contenders in domestic competitions.

Major Achievements

• Carling Knockout winner
• CAF competition qualification
• Development of numerous young stars
• Consistent top-half league finishes

Barker’s patient approach has made Stellenbosch one of the best-run clubs in South African football.

What Makes These Coaches Successful?

The best PSL coaches share several important qualities:

• Strong tactical knowledge
• Ability to develop young players
• Effective squad management
• Consistency over multiple seasons
• Success in both league and cup competitions

Whether managing title favourites or developing ambitious clubs, these coaches have significantly shaped South African football over the past decade.

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The last 10 years have been one of the most competitive periods in PSL history. While Pitso Mosimane’s dominance at Mamelodi Sundowns set the benchmark, coaches such as Rulani Mokwena, Gavin Hunt, Steve Barker, Eric Tinkler, and Abdeslam Ouaddou have all left their mark on the league.

Ouaddou’s rapid rise, in particular, suggests he could become one of the defining coaches of the next decade if he continues on his current path. With the PSL returning, you can back your favourite team by placing a bet with Bet.co.za.