Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is officially on his way out, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly confirmed as his next destination—and the numbers behind the move are eye-watering.
The Buccaneers announced on Monday that Riveiro will part ways with the club after their upcoming fixture against Golden Arrows. Although the initial plan was for him to leave at the end of the season, Pirates have now granted him an early release following his request.
“Jose 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 Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza.
“His contribution has been immense. While we would have preferred to honour him with a proper send-off, we respect his decision.”
Riveiro’s Al Ahly Move Confirmed
According to respected Egyptian outlet Yalla Koura, Riveiro has agreed terms with Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs. His appointment comes ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he’ll be tasked with guiding the Egyptian powerhouse on the global stage.
The Numbers: A Massive Pay Bump
Riveiro’s new salary has raised eyebrows—and rightfully so. He will reportedly earn a staggering $135,000 per month, which includes wages for his foreign technical staff. That translates to:
- R2,466,072 per month
- R29,592,864 per year
On top of that, Al Ahly have agreed to bonus incentives:
- 3 months’ salary bonus for winning the CAF Champions League
- 1 month’s salary bonus for any other title
It’s a massive leap from his salary at Orlando Pirates and underscores why the Soweto giants couldn’t compete to retain the Spaniard.
A Legacy at Pirates
Since joining Pirates in 2022, Riveiro has helped reinvigorate the squad, guiding them to silverware and a return to continental competition. His tactical acumen and calm demeanor won him praise across the South African football community.
While his departure will leave a void at Mayfair, fans will now watch with interest as he takes on the challenge of coaching one of Africa’s most ambitious clubs.
