When Jose Riveiro made headlines in April by stepping away from Orlando Pirates, many fans were caught off guard.
After all, he wasn’t just a coach who collected trophies—he had become the architect of something much deeper at the club.
Now, as he settles into a new chapter with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, the Spanish tactician is opening up about what his time in South Africa really meant to him.
Not Just a Job—It Was a Project
Speaking to Al Ahly TV, the 49-year-old made it clear that his role at Orlando Pirates went far beyond managing games. “I wasn’t just coaching a team,” he said.
“I was leading a full-scale project to build a young, competitive side.”
That vision turned into a reality. Over three years, Riveiro transformed the Pirates into a formidable force, both on the pitch and in terms of player development.
Five Trophies and a Legacy
Riveiro’s record speaks for itself: 80 wins, 26 draws, and just 26 losses across 132 matches.
Under his leadership, the Buccaneers lifted five trophies, reached the latter stages of the Betway Premiership multiple times, and made their mark in the CAF Champions League.
He credits the club’s support system for making it all possible. “The management had a clear vision,” he said. “They understood what it would take to nurture young players into African stars—and they backed that mission fully.”
A Platform for Young Talent
Some of the brightest talents in the Pirates’ recent history were introduced by Riveiro.
Teenagers like Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Relebohile Mofokeng all made their senior debuts under his watch—and didn’t take long to earn their place in the regular starting XI.
“I helped them shine, but really, they were already qualified,” Riveiro noted.
“They just needed the right structure, the right environment, and a scientific training approach to grow—and that’s what we gave them.”
Learning the African Game First-Hand
For Riveiro, coaching in Africa wasn’t just a career move—it was a personal and professional evolution.
“I got to understand Africa, its football culture, and myself as a coach,” he said.
“I wasn’t afraid. I embraced the experience, and it helped me grow immensely.”
What’s Next for the Pirates?
Now that Riveiro has officially joined Al Ahly, attention turns to who will fill his shoes at Orlando Pirates.
Big names like Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are already being floated as potential successors.
Whoever takes the helm will have big shoes to fill—and a young, exciting squad to build upon.
When Jose Riveiro made headlines in April by stepping away from Orlando Pirates, many fans were caught off guard.
After all, he wasn’t just a coach who collected trophies—he had become the architect of something much deeper at the club.
Now, as he settles into a new chapter with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, the Spanish tactician is opening up about what his time in South Africa really meant to him.
Not Just a Job—It Was a Project
Speaking to Al Ahly TV, the 49-year-old made it clear that his role at Orlando Pirates went far beyond managing games.
“I wasn’t just coaching a team,” he said. “I was leading a full-scale project to build a young, competitive side.”
That vision turned into a reality. Over three years, Riveiro transformed the Pirates into a formidable force, both on the pitch and in terms of player development.
Five Trophies and a Legacy
Riveiro’s record speaks for itself: 80 wins, 26 draws, and just 26 losses across 132 matches.
Under his leadership, the Buccaneers lifted five trophies, reached the latter stages of the Betway Premiership multiple times, and made their mark in the CAF Champions League.
He credits the club’s support system for making it all possible. “The management had a clear vision,” he said.
“They understood what it would take to nurture young players into African stars—and they backed that mission fully.”
A Platform for Young Talent
Some of the brightest talents in the Pirates’ recent history were introduced by Riveiro.
Teenagers like Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Relebohile Mofokeng all made their senior debuts under his watch—and didn’t take long to earn their place in the regular starting XI.
“I helped them shine, but really, they were already qualified,” Riveiro noted.
“They just needed the right structure, the right environment, and a scientific training approach to grow—and that’s what we gave them.”
Learning the African Game First-Hand
For Riveiro, coaching in Africa wasn’t just a career move—it was a personal and professional evolution.
“I got to understand Africa, its football culture, and myself as a coach,” he said.
“I wasn’t afraid. I embraced the experience, and it helped me grow immensely.”
What’s Next for the Pirates?
Now that Riveiro has officially joined Al Ahly, attention turns to who will fill his shoes at Orlando Pirates.
Big names like Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are already being floated as potential successors.
Whoever takes the helm will have big shoes to fill—and a young, exciting squad to build upon.