Spanish football coach José Riveiro has been released early from his contract as head coach of South African Premier Division giants Orlando Pirates, the club confirmed in an official statement on Monday.
The departure comes just weeks before the end of the season, and amid growing speculation that Riveiro is set to take over the reins at Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
“José approached us a few weeks ago with a request to be released from his contract ahead of schedule, having signed with a new club,” said Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza. “His contribution since joining the club has been immense. We learned a lot from him, and he learned a lot from us.”
Riveiro, who joined the Pirates nearly three years ago, steered the team to notable successes during his tenure, including finishing as vice-champions of the 2023 South African Premiership and as runners-up in this year’s Nedbank Cup. His contract had originally been set to run until the end of June 2025.
In a farewell message, the 47-year-old Spaniard expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates for allowing me the opportunity to leave before the end of my contract,” Riveiro said.
The club also confirmed that Riveiro will lead the team for one final time during Tuesday night’s match against Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Although Egyptian media reports suggest Riveiro is bound for Al Ahly, the Cairo-based club has yet to confirm the appointment. Al Ahly, widely regarded as the most successful football club on the African continent, has been without a permanent coach since Marcel Koller’s departure last month following their CAF Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Al Ahly has qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup by clinching the CAF Champions League title in 2021, 2023, and 2024. They are scheduled to open the tournament on June 14 against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The Egyptian side has previously won four bronze medals at the global tournament, most recently in 2023.
If confirmed, Riveiro’s appointment would mark a major move for both the coach and the Egyptian club, as they aim to make a strong showing on the world stage.
