Al Ahly Appoint Jose Riveiro as New Head Coach After Surprise Orlando Pirates Exit
In a move that has sent ripples through African football, Egyptian giants Al Ahly have officially announced the appointment of Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro as their new head coach. The confirmation came on Thursday evening through the club’s social media platforms, putting an end to weeks of speculation.
Pirates Part Ways With Riveiro
The decision follows Orlando Pirates’ shock revelation that Riveiro would be departing before the conclusion of his contract, which was initially set to expire at the end of June. The Buccaneers confirmed that the coach had requested an early release after securing a deal with a new club.
“Jose approached us a few weeks ago and asked to be released from his contract ahead of time, having reached an agreement with another team,” said Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza. “Given the critical matches we were facing, we chose to postpone the public announcement until after the Nedbank Cup final. His time at the club was significant – both parties grew from the experience.”
Despite the timing, Khoza noted that the club respected Riveiro’s wish to move on, even though they had hoped to give him a formal farewell. Riveiro’s final match in charge of the Soweto giants was the 3-0 win over Golden Arrows on 13 May.
Emotional Farewell to South Africa
Riveiro expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the club and its supporters, stating the farewell was an emotional moment for him.
“I want to thank Orlando Pirates for granting my request to leave early. Goodbyes are never easy, and this one is particularly tough,” Riveiro said. “I’m truly thankful to everyone at the club – from the management and technical team to the players and those who work behind the scenes. To the players, thank you for your trust and commitment throughout our journey.”
He also extended his appreciation to the fans for their unwavering support during his three-year spell in the country, during which he guided Pirates to five domestic titles.
A New Chapter at Al Ahly
Al Ahly’s announcement came shortly after they secured their 45th Egyptian Premier League title on Wednesday evening. The club revealed that Riveiro would be taking over as head coach, with his full technical team confirmed alongside him. The team includes several familiar faces from Orlando Pirates, underlining the Spaniard’s intent to maintain consistency in his coaching approach.
Joining him at Al Ahly are:
- Carlos Nodar – Assistant Coach
- Miguel Pepeira – Physical Trainer
- Juan Jose – Goalkeeper Coach
- Sebastian Podsiadly – Performance Analyst
- Emad El Nahhas – General Coach
Nodar, in particular, also worked closely with Riveiro at Pirates and followed him to Egypt as part of the new chapter in his coaching career.
From Mayfair to Cairo – A Rise Worth Noting
Jose Riveiro’s rise in African football has been nothing short of impressive. From arriving at Mayfair with little fanfare to becoming one of the most respected coaches in the country, his tactical acumen and leadership brought silverware and stability to Pirates.
His move to Al Ahly marks a significant step up, joining one of the continent’s most successful clubs as they aim to continue their dominance both domestically and in the CAF Champions League.
What This Means for African Football
Riveiro’s transition to Al Ahly could signal a new wave of cross-continental coaching movements, especially involving top-tier clubs on the continent. It’s also a testament to the strength of South African football, with one of the country’s top coaching exports now leading Africa’s most decorated team.
All eyes will now be on the Spaniard as he begins his tenure in Cairo – and whether he can replicate his Mayfair magic on an even grander stage.
Also read: Ex-Orlando Pirates Boss Jose Riveiro Pledges Loyalty to Club
