‘Why I left Orlando Pirates’

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Orlando Pirates supporters have been demanding answers. Why did Jose Riveiro leave the Betway Premiership giants for Al Ahly?

Days before Riveiro took Al Ahly to the FIFA Club World Cup to open the tournament against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the Spaniard spoke to the media about his exit from the Buccaneers.

According to the former Orlando Pirates mentor who lifted three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies, it was time for new horizons.

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Jose Riveiro waving at Orlando Pirates supporters at the FNB Stadium. Image via Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

“There was a narrative about my decision to leave Pirates. I have never said I’m going because of the distance. I did not leave in order to be close to my family,” said Riveiro on Metro FM.

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“The decision was based on my feelings, and that my time at Orlando Pirates was up. I had to continue my journey and challenge myself in a new environment.

“So, I think it’s also positive for Pirates to continue differently, try to find a different challenge, and for the club to also find someone to continue the journey, to take the team to the next level.”

The soft-spoken Spaniard added, “Al Ahly is a club that gives you a good platform to continue growing and winning trophies. I think it’s a good option for my development. I had to make a decision.

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ON FAMILY AND DISTANCE

“The distance from your own country and from your family can be a problem, but it’s not the only thing. You know, when you think about taking your family with you, it is not an easy decision, trust me. It’s more about our role in the club,” the former Orlando Pirates tactician added. “The possibility that you change, maybe your family life, but in the end, maybe after two months, you have to be back at home.

“After all, I’m used to being alone and far from everything, and concentrating on my job because that’s what I do, and that’s what I’m going to do here [at Al Ahly],” he concluded.