It’s never easy to say goodbye—especially when it’s to someone who’s brought in results and sparked big moments.
But for Orlando Pirates, that time has come. Coach Jose Riveiro is officially heading out, and his final game in charge is just around the corner, against Golden Arrows.
While his departure at the end of the season was already expected, things have shifted a bit.
The club has now confirmed that Riveiro will leave sooner than originally planned.
Pirates Confirm Riveiro’s Early Exit
On Monday, Orlando Pirates dropped the news that their coach had requested an early release from his contract.
And despite the high-stakes matches ahead, the club agreed to let him go.
Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza explained the situation, saying,
“Jose came to us weeks ago asking to leave before his contract ended, after signing with a new club.
We delayed announcing it to avoid distractions during key fixtures.
He gave a lot to the club, and we gave a lot to him.
While we’d hoped to give him a proper send-off, we fully respect his decision.”
It’s clear there’s no bad blood—just a coach ready for his next big step.
Riveiro Heads to Egypt with a Hefty Paycheck
So where is Riveiro off to? According to Egyptian news outlet Yallakora, the Spanish coach is heading to Al Ahly, one of Africa’s biggest football clubs.
And yes—it comes with a serious salary boost.
Reports say Riveiro and Al Ahly’s management already shook hands on the deal, which includes a monthly salary of $135,000.
That covers not only Riveiro but his foreign assistant team as well.
It all adds up to a jaw-dropping $1.62 million per year—or just over R29.5 million annually.
And if he wins big? Bonuses are on the table too.
There’s a three-month salary bonus if he leads Al Ahly to the CAF Champions League title, and an additional one-month bonus for any other trophy.
What’s Next for Riveiro? Club World Cup Awaits
Riveiro’s new chapter begins with a bang. He’s set to take charge of Al Ahly’s campaign in the 2025 Club World Cup, and expectations are sky-high.
With his tactical edge and a financial package to match, he’ll be under pressure to deliver—and fast.
It’s safe to say Orlando Pirates simply couldn’t compete with those numbers.
And while fans will surely miss the Spaniard’s presence on the sidelines, it’s hard to argue with an offer of that magnitude.
Fans Left Wondering: Is Riveiro Worth It?
With all this buzz around his salary and future prospects, it’s only natural for fans to ask—does he deserve it? Some will point to his successes with Pirates, others might raise eyebrows.
Either way, it’s clear that Al Ahly believe he’s the man to lead them forward.