Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib welcomes Jose Riveiro as Al Ahly's new head coach. Image: shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)– José Riveiro, the Spanish coach renowned for his transformative tenure at Orlando Pirates, has been appointed as the new head coach of Egyptian football giants Al Ahly.
The announcement was made on May 29, 2025, with Riveiro signing a two-year contract. He is set to lead the club in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where Al Ahly will face formidable opponents including Inter Miami, Palmeiras, and Porto.
Riveiro’s coaching career took a significant turn when he joined Orlando Pirates in June 2022. Initially met with scepticism, he quickly silenced critics by guiding the team to multiple titles, including the MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup.
Under his leadership, Pirates not only secured domestic trophies but also made a notable impact on the continental stage. In the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, Pirates achieved a historic 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in Cairo, marking their third-ever away win against the Egyptian club and finishing top of their group with an unbeaten record.
Riveiro inherits a club with a rich history, including 12 CAF Champions League titles. His appointment comes at a time when the club is looking to strengthen its position on both the continental and global stages. Riveiro’s tactical acumen and ability to nurture young talent will be pivotal as he aims to continue Al Ahly’s legacy of success.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Al Ahly, Riveiro’s journey from a relatively unknown figure to one of Africa’s most respected coaches underscores the dynamic nature of football and the opportunities it presents for growth and achievement.