Next Bafana coach? Jose Riveiro weighs in on taking over national team

Former Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has addressed questions regarding his potential interest in becoming the next Bafana Bafana coach, neither ruling out the possibility nor committing to it.

The highly successful Spanish tactician, who is currently unattached after a brief three-month stint with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, is back in the country, and his availability has immediately sparked interest regarding his next move in African football.

Riveiro earned immense respect during his tenure at Orlando Pirates, where he amassed five major domestic trophies in just three seasons, including three MTN8 cups and two Nedbank Cup titles.

With current Bafana coach Hugo Broos’s future widely speculated beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention is turning to potential successors, and Riveiro’s name is certainly among the high-profile candidates.

Riveiro’s Respect for Bafana Bafana Coach Broos

When directly asked if he would consider taking the reins of the national team, the 50-year-old was quick to praise the work of the current Belgian mentor, emphasising that the focus should remain on Bafana’s current positive trajectory.

“I think we have to enjoy the moment. I think South African football is going through a fantastic moment in terms of the domestic competitions,” Riveiro stated.

He continued by commending the current national team setup: “Bafana is doing well, going to the AFCON with an opportunity to be extremely competitive and qualified for the World Cup. It’s a moment to enjoy.”

The Coach’s Stance

However, Riveiro’s response left the door open for future possibilities, stating that professional coaches must always be prepared for new opportunities.

“As coaches, we must always be ready and available for every proposal and whatever is coming, but that is something that is not in our hands,” Riveiro admitted.

He concluded by reiterating his respect for the incumbent: “I fully respect Hugo and his technical team; they have been doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. Things were not easy for him in the beginning, and he managed to go through all the criticisms and controversial moments to finally have a solid team.”