Following Orlando Pirates’ announcement that head coach Jose Riveiro will not renew his contract at the end of the season, the Siya crew has been updated on more teams interested in him.
Soccer Laduma had previously reported how the Atlas Lions of Morocco, Finland and Sweden were linked to Riveiro.
READ: Pirates Could Look In-House To Replace Riveiro
Now, there's also a Saudi Arabian club monitoring Riveiro's situation, according to insiders privy to information.
Siya sources close to Pirates have indicated that during the club's trip to Algeria to face MC Alger, Riveiro was sounded out by Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca.
At the moment Wydad are understood to be allowing their current head coach Rulani Mokwena to work until the end of the campaign where the South African hopes to qualify for the CAF Champions League and keep his position in Casablanca.
The Siya crew understands that Wydad are preparing in case they may have to bring in a new mentor, and sources have added that Riveiro is believed to be a strong candidate.
"You remember there was the Sweden and Finland national teams interested in Jose (Riveiro)? Then it was the Morocco FA for their national team? Then when the team was in Algeria, Wydad from Morocco also enquired about his availability. I think it's apparently believed that by that time they had heard about the coach not renewing his contract at Pirates. But both jobs will depend on the employers. Wydad are still dealing with the issue of Rulani Mokwena while the Morocco FA is still to decide on whether they will keep the current coach or not but from what we know, it's believed both clubs and countries are interested in him," the Siya source stated.
A second Siya source discussed how a Saudi Arabian club also enquired about Riveiro long before it was announced he wouldn’t extend his stay at Pirates.
"To be honest with with you there have been different enquires from different clubs but the serious ones have been from the different national teams, also Wydad, and one Saudi Arabian side. We are not sure of the name but it's in Saudi Arabia. So the coach has done a great job to market himself since his arrival at Pirates hence all the interest," the second source told the Siya crew.
READ: Why Pirates Can't Sell Club To MaMkhize
Riveiro has built a strong resume during his three seasons with Pirates, winning three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles so far. The Spaniard has also guided the Buccaneers to the semi-finals of this year’s Nedbank Cup and to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, showcasing his ability to deliver success on multiple fronts.
As his exit from Pirates approaches, it’s clear that Riveiro's impressive track record has positioned him as a highly sought-after coach on both the club and international stages.
