OFFICIAL: Al Ahly fire former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro after losing to CAF Champions League holders Pyramids FC

In recent days, Jose Riveiro has been making headlines as his start at Al Ahly failed to click as quickly as expected.  

Following a 2-0 loss to Pyramids FC on Saturday, 30 August, the result became the final straw, prompting the club to hold discussions that ultimately led to an agreement to part ways with the Spaniard.  

“The club thanked Mr. José Ribeiro, the technical director of the first football team and his assory for the past period, and the contractual relationship was terminated by mutual consent,” the club shared in a statement. 

“This came after the meetings of the Planning Committee in the presence of Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib, President of the club, and Captain Mohammed Youssef, Sports Director, which began at eleven this morning and lasted several hours, during which the reports submitted by the sports director and the technical director were discussed, and in the light of which the aforementioned decision came. 

“In its session with José Ribeiro, the committee confirmed its appreciation for what he has done since taking office, and that he made a lot of effort, but the results did not help to complete the experience, at a time when the club seeks to achieve the great ambitions of its fans at the local and continental levels. The Planning Committee continues its meetings to settle on the final concept of the technical body that will lead the team during the next phase,” the statement concluded. 

Riveiro enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Orlando Pirates, claiming five trophies over three seasons.  

In his final year, he guided the club to the CAF Champions League semi-final, a milestone they hadn’t reached in a decade.

Riveiro now finds himself back on the market, while his former club Pirates have hit their stride under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following a rocky start to the Premier Soccer League season.  

The Buccaneers are also gearing up for the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, chasing a fourth consecutive crown.