Orlando Pirates are preparing to start a new era without former coach Jose Riveiro, who moved to Al Ahly.
Pirates allowed Riveiro to leave for Al Ahly early, so that he can help them prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Riveiro most decorated Pirates coach
During his tenure, Riveiro has helped Pirates win five trophies. Three MTN8 titles in a row as well as back to back Nedbank Cup titles. Furthermore, Beyond that, he led the Buccaneers into a second place in the Betway Premiership. Beyond local boarders, he ensured qualification for the side, into the group stages of the CAF Champions League. After doing so for the first time since 2018, they finished top of their group and unbeaten.
Riveiro led Pirates to a semifinal finish in the CAF Champions League, with a Nedbank Cup final too. Now as he embarks on his new journey at Al Ahly, he will undoubtedly be looking to reinforce his squad. Speaking upon his arrival at the club, he has already expressed delight at what he has at his disposal.
“I like the players to be at the same level. We will participate in many tournaments in the coming period, and I don’t like any player to be guaranteed a place in the team. Every player must perform strongly in training in order to be a regular starter in matches. We want strong players who can always compete. I don’t want a large number of players on the team. I like a small number of players, and that’s what I prefer.” He told Al Ahly TV as per Tahiamasr.
Riveiro also seemed to put to bed any rumours that he will be looking to sign any players from Pirates.
Not signing any Buccaneers for Al Ahly
“I want to give every player a chance. I didn’t ask any player from Orlando (Pirates) to join Al Ahly. The current group at Al Ahly is excellent, and Mahmoud El Khatib, the club’s president, is constantly supporting the team. I always like to focus and work with the players so they can compete in the coming period. I trust all the players, and the fans’ ambitions are very natural because they always want to win championships. Without the fans’ pressure, Al Ahly would have failed to win titles.” Said Riveiro.
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