As Jose Riveiro prepares to embark on a new chapter with African giants Al Ahly, speculation has already begun over whether the outgoing Orlando Pirates boss will look to raid his former squad for talent.
But the Spaniard has made it clear that such decisions are unlikely to be driven by him.
Speaking to Marawa Sports Worldwide before his departure for Egypt, Riveiro was asked point-blank whether he might dip into Pirates’ player pool for reinforcements when he takes the reins in Cairo. While Pirates boast some of the most promising talent on the continent, the 48-year-old tactician was quick to set the record straight.
"Well, it's a difficult question," he admitted. "Pirates are full of talent, full of really good future prospects, but that's not my role and will never be."
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Riveiro elaborated that in the modern game, while coaches have a say in the transfer process, they are far from the final decision-makers.
"In today's teams, we as coaches have a say, obviously, in the players who are coming and going. But it belongs more to the strategic side of the business. In this case for Orlando Pirates and whichever club who wants to have a look at our talent here."
"The role that I'm playing in that kind of situation, trust me, is minimum. And whatever happens in the future, it's not going to have a straight relation with my decision, my influence or my opinion."
Riveiro's comments are likely to come as some relief to Pirates supporters, who feared that their new-look side could be dismantled following his exit. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and reigning Player of the Year Patrick Maswanganyi have been standout performers under the Spaniard, drawing attention from local and international scouts alike.
For now, though, the coach has put a firm lid on any talk of a Pirates-to-Al Ahly pipeline, choosing to show respect to both institutions as he begins the next phase of his career.
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