The “Class of Orlando Pirates” continues to make waves in the dugout. Two iconic former Buccaneers, Joseph Kamwendo and Thabo Mngomeni, have officially secured high-profile coaching appointments, signaling a new chapter for the retired midfielders.
While Kamwendo is heading across the border to Zimbabwe, Mngomeni is staying local to help unearth the next generation of South African talent.
Joseph Kamwendo Returns to CAPS United
Malawian football legend Joseph Kamwendo has confirmed his return to a familiar hunting ground. After being relieved of his duties at Creek Sports FC in Malawi last year, the former Bucs playmaker has landed a dual role at Zimbabwean giants CAPS United.
Kamwendo, who spent four years at Mayfair, will balance two critical responsibilities:
- Head of Development: Overseeing the growth of the club’s youth academy.
- Second Assistant Coach: Providing tactical support to the senior first team.
“I am Head of Development and also second assistant coach for the main team,” Kamwendo confirmed to Soccer Laduma, marking a significant step up in his coaching career within the COSAFA region.
Thabo Mngomeni Joins AmaZulu’s “Project 32”
Back in South Africa, fellow Pirates legend Thabo Mngomeni has been snapped up by AmaZulu FC. Mngomeni joins the Usuthu Diski Challenge (reserve) side as an assistant coach.
This appointment follows Mngomeni’s successful stint with the South African U-17 national team, where he served as an assistant to Vela Khumalo during their 2025 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar.
At AmaZulu, Mngomeni will be a cornerstone of “Project 32,” a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gap between youth development and professional first-team football. With nearly 100 appearances for Pirates and a storied Bafana Bafana career, his experience is expected to be invaluable for the Durban-based side.
