As Jose Riveiro edges closer to being unveiled as the new head coach of Egyptian giants Al Ahly, attention has swiftly turned to the possible reshuffling of his trusted technical team – with whispers suggesting that some of his former colleagues at Orlando Pirates could soon be joining him in North Africa.
The Spaniard, who recently ended his successful three-year stint with the Soweto giants, is expected to lead Al Ahly into the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June.
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With limited time to prepare and the pressure to deliver immediate results at a club renowned for its ruthlessness and sky-high expectations, Riveiro is believed to be considering a move for members of his Pirates backroom staff to help ease his transition.
Among those strongly tipped to reunite with Riveiro is his countryman Carlos Nodar Paz, who played a key role in Pirates’ technical set-up.
Known for his analytical acumen and close working relationship with Riveiro, Paz could be a valuable addition in Cairo as Al Ahly look to make an impact on the global stage.
“Carlos is the main guy that he (Riveiro) would like to have because of their understanding having come from far working together. He knows it will be crucial to surround himself with the people he trusts, and there could be more (from Pirates), but it will all depend on the negotiations in the coming days. Pirates also have a job to do as the season hasn't finished, so other decisions will be made after the season has ended,” a source close to the situation explained.
Other figures within the Buccaneers’ technical team, whose synergy with Riveiro underpinned the club’s recent resurgence, could also be approached.
During his time in Mzansi, the 47-year-old tactician created a stable and efficient working unit – built on trust, clarity, and professionalism – qualities he will need to replicate quickly at a club as demanding and decorated as Al Ahly.
With less than a month before the Club World Cup kicks off, time is of the essence. Riveiro will be tasked with immediately integrating into the Al Ahly setup and preparing the team to compete against the best clubs in the world.
Having familiar and trusted allies by his side could be vital for a smooth transition and early success.
Al Ahly’s track record of managerial impatience is well documented. Despite their dominance on the continent, the club has often made swift changes at the helm when results failed to meet their lofty standards.
This makes it all the more critical for Riveiro to hit the ground running, and he appears to be laying the groundwork to ensure he’s surrounded by the right personnel to do just that.
While no official announcements have been made regarding his technical team, discussions are believed to be underway behind the scenes, and developments could unfold swiftly in the coming days.
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For Pirates, the possible departure of key staff members would represent a further blow following the exit of their head coach, but it would also reflect the growing reputation of a unit that not only delivered on the pitch but earned recognition beyond the borders of South Africa.
Riveiro’s journey in Egypt begins soon – and it may start with a few familiar faces by his side.
