Jose Riveiro reveals the real reason he left Orlando Pirates?

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Earlier this year, Jose Riveiro dropped a bombshell when he announced that he would not extend his stay when his contract at Orlando Pirates expired.

At the time he made the announcement, the Buccaneers were well poised to win at least two trophies, but poor form saw the team finish with just the MTN8, which they won at the beginning of the season.

After losing the Nedbank Cup final on 10 May, Jose Riveiro asked the Pirates management to release him early as he had already signed with a new club. At the time, the Sea Robbers had nothing to play for with the league already out of reach.

Why did Jose Riveiro decide not to extend his stay at Pirates?

The Spaniard won five trophies in three seasons and while most coaches would want to continue winning, Riveiro chose to leave. He did make a hint last year when he mentioned how far he was away from his family.

Having joined Al Ahly, the 49-year-old has revealed that his wife’s dream is to live in Egypt as she adores the culture.

“I am married and have a 6-year-old daughter, and I’m very happy that she’s part of my life,” he told Al Ahly TV.

“[I am] thrilled that she’ll have the opportunity to come live in Egypt.

“My wife loves Egypt and adores Egyptian culture, and her father used to work in Egypt,” Riveiro concluded.

Jose Riveiro might have had success at Pirates, but time away from his family took a toll on him. Given Egypt is much closer to Spain, it makes sense why he decided to relocate and coach in North Africa. His wife’s love for Egypt made his decision to leave Pirates muach easier.