Just days before leading Al Ahly into the FIFA Club World Cup opener against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro spoke candidly about why he decided to leave the Soweto giants back in April.
Riveiro, who guided Pirates to three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups, explained that the timing felt right to seek new challenges and personal growth.
“It was a feeling deep down that my time with Orlando Pirates had come to an end,” Riveiro told Metro FM. “I needed to push myself in a different environment and believe it’s also positive for Pirates to bring in fresh ideas and continue progressing.”
The Spanish coach described Al Ahly as the perfect platform to keep developing and chasing silverware. He added that he’s used to focusing fully on his work, even when far from home, and he’s ready to embrace the passion and pressure of Egypt’s most storied club.
Percy Tau on Riveiro’s New Role
Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau shared his thoughts on the challenge ahead for Riveiro at Al Ahly, a club known for its passionate fanbase and high expectations.
“The club demands success in every competition. The fans live and breathe football — it’s a completely different world from South Africa,” Tau said during an interview on 947’s MSW.
Tau acknowledged the resources Al Ahly has provided Riveiro, including new signings, but emphasized the tough task of surpassing the achievements of the previous coach, Marcel Koller, who won 11 trophies.
“What Riveiro achieved at Pirates shows he’s a capable coach. He knows what he’s doing, but this job will demand a lot more, both on and off the pitch,” Tau concluded.
