By Dylan Bettencourt
- Pirates boss Irvin Khoza confirmed Riveiro requested to leave early after signing with another club, and they agreed to release him.
- The Spaniard is expected to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are looking for a new coach after Marcel Koller was let go.
Riveiro is out of South Africa, and he’s heading for what could be the biggest coaching salary the continent has ever seen.
Pirates confirmed on Monday that they released him early after he asked to leave before his contract ended.
Chairman Irvin Khoza said: “Jose approached us a few weeks ago with a request to be released from his contract ahead of schedule, having signed with a new club.”
Reports say the Spaniard is set to take over at Egyptian side Al Ahly. If the deal is finalised, he’ll become the highest-paid coach in African football history.
Al Ahly have been without a boss since they parted ways with Swiss coach Marcel Koller last month.
Riveiro’s second-to-last game in charge was a heartbreaker — Pirates lost 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final, ending their dream of a third title in a row.
Even after the loss, many fans were still backing him. He had already announced two months ago that he’d be leaving at the end of the season, but supporters weren’t ready to say goodbye.
In just three years, he helped Pirates win three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. He came close in the Premiership, but couldn’t secure the top spot.
Now Pirates are set to finish the season without him. Mamelodi Sundowns could seal the title this weekend if they beat Chippa United.
Meanwhile, former Wydad Casablanca coach Rulani Mokwena is being named as a possible replacement. He has a long family history at Pirates, his father Julius Sono and uncle Jomo Sono are both legends at the club.
Pictured above: Jose Riveiro.
Image source: File
