Newly appointed head coach of Al Ahly, Jose Riveiro, has opened up about why he left Orlando Pirates.
The Spanish gaffer left his South African giants midway through the season to join the Egyptian side on a two-year deal with an option of another year.
Despite the speculations, Riveiro has spoken out to set the record straight, insisting that his decision to join the 12-time CAF Champions League winners had nothing to do with family.
“That was a little bit of a strange narrative about my decision. I have never said that I’m going because of the distance, or family things or stuff like that,” Riveiro said on the Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube.
“It was more about feeling that my time in the club was a really good one for all of us. It was time for me and I think it’s also positive for pirates to continue in a different way, and try to find a different challenge for the club.
“It was time for the club to find someone to continue the journey, to take the team to the next level as well. And for me to find a place where I can continue with my formation, with the possibility to challenge myself in a different environment.
“Al Ahly is also a club that gives you the platform to continue growing and winning and I think it’s a good step for me. It was by far the best option that I had to continue with my development, that’s all,” he added.
“In the end, the distance between your own country, with your family, can be a problem, but it’s not the only one. I mean, in the end, in my opinion, when you think about taking your family with you, it’s not an easy decision, that is not related, trust me. It’s more about our role in the clubs, the possibility that maybe you change your family life, but in the end, maybe after two months you have to be back.”
The 49-year-old Spaniard took charge of the Soweto giants in 2022 and enjoyed a successful spell, winning five domestic cup titles, including three MTN 8 trophies and two Nedbank Cups.
Meanwhile, Riveiro will lead the side when they come up against Manchester City in their Club World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 18.
