The Siya crew has been reliably informed that there are no immediate plans for former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro to return to South Africa following his abrupt departure from Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
As reported by Soccer Laduma yesterday (Sunday), the Club of the Century parted ways with the Spaniard just a few games into the new Egyptian Premier League campaign after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Pyramids FC.
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Ahly confirmed that the decision was reached by mutual consent after a lengthy Planning Committee meeting, which was attended by club president Mahmoud El Khatib and sports director Mohamed Youssef.
In its statement, the Cairo-based side thanked Riveiro and his technical staff for their efforts, acknowledging the energy and commitment he brought, but admitted that results fell short of the club’s high expectations at both domestic and continental levels.
With his exit now official, there has naturally been speculation over where the 49-year-old could end up next.
In recent days, rumours within the South African football fraternity have suggested a possible return to the Betway Premiership.
However, Siya sources have indicated that there are no immediate plans for Riveiro to head back to the PSL.
This comes after the Spaniard himself made it clear upon leaving the Buccaneers in May that he would not coach any other team in South Africa.
“Never… Once (a Pirates), Always (a Pirates). I will never coach any other team in South Africa. I am a Buccaneer. Orlando Pirates are the only club that I could have the motivation and the courage and energy, and the heart in this case to coach in the country, no doubt,” Riveiro declared in his emotional farewell press conference earlier this year.
Riveiro left the Soweto giants as one of their most successful modern-era coaches, winning five domestic trophies in three seasons, including three consecutive MTN8 titles and back-to-back Nedbank Cups.
His spell was capped by an emotional send-off in May, when he guided Pirates to a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in his final game before sealing his switch to North Africa.
Having lasted just a few months in Cairo, the Spaniard now finds himself at a crossroads. However, Siya sources insist that while Riveiro remains highly regarded in Mzansi for his success with the Buccaneers, a return to the Betway Premiership is not on the cards at this stage.
Instead, it is believed the former Pirates mentor will take some time to weigh up his options before deciding on his next step in management.
Crucially, though, Siya sources have also revealed that interest in Riveiro has begun to emerge elsewhere on the continent.
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“There is interest in Algeria in the coach, and that could be something to keep an eye on,” a source in the know told the Siya crew.
With opportunities potentially opening up in North Africa, Riveiro’s next move could once again see him remain on the continent rather than return to familiar territory in Mzansi.
