Reports: Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro close to joining Egyptian giants Al Ahly

Photo: Orlando Pirates Media

In an interesting turn of events, Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is on the verge of completing a move to Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, according to multiple reports in Egypt.

The Spaniard is expected to arrive in Cairo in the coming days to finalize his contract with the record African champions. Orlando Pirates officially confirmed back on April 3 that Riveiro had informed the club that he would not renew his contract set to expire at the end of the current season.

Speaking on the matter, chairman Irvin Khoza revealed that Riveiro had informed the club that he had reached an agreement with a new team.

That team now appears to be Al Ahly – marking the second time in less than five years that a coach has made the leap directly from a South African club to the Egyptian giants, following Pitso Mosimane’s switch from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020.

Riveiro took charge of Orlando Pirates in July 2022 and led them over three seasons, overseeing 130 matches so far – winning 81, drawing 22, and losing 27. His side scored 229 goals and conceded 112 during his tenure.

Under his leadership, Pirates lifted two Nedbank Cups and three MTN8 trophies, cementing his legacy as one of the best coaches in the history of the club. The Spaniard also led the team to the CAF Champions League semifinals this season.

Riveiro’s Pirates faced Al Ahly twice in this season's CAF Champions League group stage – playing to a 0-0 draw in South Africa and pulling off a 2-1 win in Cairo.