Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed the real reason why he cut ties with the Soweto giants, addressing the narrative that he left the club to be closer to his family.
The Spanish mentor parted ways with the Buccaneers in May, subsequently joining Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly as their new head coach.
Riveiro opted not to extend his tenure at Pirates, a club he initially joined in 2022.
During his three-year stint at the Soweto giants, he won five trophies, including three MTN8 silverware and two Nedbank Cup titles.
In the 2024/25 season, Riveiro guided Pirates to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and finished as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league title race for the third time in a row.
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Riveiro clarified that his departure from Pirates wasn’t driven by a desire to be closer to family. Instead, he sought a new challenge for personal and professional growth, viewing Al Ahly as the ideal opportunity.
“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.
“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.”
Riveiro continued: “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.
“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 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].”
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