'My wife loves Egypt!' Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro reveals reunion with his loved ones in North Africa after separation during Orlando Pirates stint - 'The mental toll of working away from family'

Jose Riveiro was given the mandate to coach Al Ahly, succeeding Marcel Koller, who was fired after failing to deliver the Caf Champions League.

He had served the Sea Robbers for three seasons, winning 80 games, drawing 26, and losing as many across all competitions.

In the process, he won five domestic titles and helped the Soweto giants reach the Caf Champions League semi-final last season.

During his stint at Pirates, Riveiro did not have an opportunity to stay with his family.

The 49-year-old used to make trips to Spain, especially during the international break, to spend some time with his family.

At some point, the club confirmed in a statement that “The mental toll of working away from family, compounded by the unrelenting demands of top-level coaching, would have broken many.

"Yet Riveiro has persevered, driven by a profound sense of duty to the club and its supporters."

However, things are different in Egypt, as Riveiro confirmed.

"I am married and have a 6-year-old daughter, and I’m very happy that she’s part of my life," he told Al Ahly TV.

"[I am] thrilled that she’ll have the opportunity to come live in Egypt.

"My wife loves Egypt and adores Egyptian culture, and her father used to work in Egypt," Riveiro concluded.

As Pirates work on getting a new coach, Riveiro is in the United States with Al Ahly for the Fifa Club World Cup.

The Red Devils are pooled with Inter Miami, Palmeiras, and Porto; they will start their campaign on June 15 against the MLS outfit.