Published Date: 2025-05-14 11:21:16 Updated At: 2025-05-14 11:21:16

The Spanish coach José Rivero has ended his journey with South African team Orlando Pirates after three successful seasons, during which he achieved many accomplishments. He officially announced his departure on Tuesday. After this period of excellence with the South African team, it seems Rivero is on his way to take over the coaching role at Egyptian club Al Ahly, succeeding Swiss coach Marcel Koller, which has sparked widespread rumors about his imminent signing with the club.
In an interview with the South African network SBAC, Rivero spoke candidly about his coaching career, saying, "I’m not perfect or an angel, but I’m a rational and as calm as possible person." He pointed out that his successes didn't come from favoritism or special relationships, but from hard work and persistence. He explained that he was not a professional football player and started his journey from the lowest levels of the Spanish league, where he struggled before reaching the position of head coach at Orlando Pirates.

He added, "I had to put in a lot of effort to achieve what I have, and it wasn’t because of connections or luck, but due to constant hard work." Rivero emphasized that his rise to this level is the result of a long journey that started from scratch. He stated, "I’m here now because I worked hard, not because I won a lottery."

His time at Orlando Pirates was filled with success, as he led the team to five local titles, making him one of the most prominent coaches in the South African league. He left a clear mark on the team and became one of the most celebrated coaches in South Africa, thanks to his strong management and tireless work.

In another development, media personality Ahmed Shobeir announced on his radio show that Rivero had arrived in Cairo early Wednesday, ready to sign his contract with Al Ahly. This expected signing will mark a new beginning for him in the Egyptian league, as he will take over the coaching role of the team after the departure of Swiss coach Marcel Koller, following a period of instability.

Rivero is expected to achieve new successes with Al Ahly, given his extensive coaching experience. His rational and disciplined personality is one of the factors that will help him lead the team in the coming period. In addition to his achievements with Orlando Pirates, Rivero relies on clear and long-term strategies, which will help him bring stability to the team in various domestic and continental competitions.

At 47 years old, Rivero started his coaching career in the lower divisions of Spain before moving through several clubs until he reached Orlando Pirates, where he became one of the most respected coaches in Africa.

What sets Rivero apart is his clear work strategy, which relies on discipline and organization, along with thorough match preparations. He demonstrated his ability to create a cohesive and strong team at Orlando Pirates, capable of competing for local titles. These qualities will make him an ideal choice for Al Ahly, who aims to return to the top of both local and African competitions.

Thus, Al Ahly may be entering a new era filled with achievements under the guidance of the Spanish coach, especially with the high expectations from the fans who want to see the team win more titles, particularly the CAF Champions League, which remains one of Al Ahly’s main goals for the upcoming season.

Regarding the team's preparations, Rivero will begin his work at Al Ahly amidst great anticipation from the media and fans. The Spanish coach is looking forward to working with a group of talented players, who possess great skills, giving him the opportunity to implement his coaching ideas in practice.