Al Ahly set to make ex-Pirates boss Jose Riveiro the highest paid coach in Africa

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is reportedly set to become the highest paid head coach on the African continent.

Pirates announced on Monday that they had granted the Spaniard his wish of being released from the club early, and reports have suggested he is currently on his way to North Africa to discuss terms with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

The club have been looking for a new coach since sacking Swiss Marcel Koller towards the end of last month.

"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," Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza said in the statement released by the club on Monday.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

Riveiro's last game in charge of the Sea Robbers was last weekend's Nedbank Cup final, where they were beaten 2-1 by Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs. That loss prevented the club from winning the competition for a third consecutive year.

However, despite the loss, Riveiro was very popular among Pirates fans, who were disappointed when he announced two months ago he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

In his three years with Pirates, Riveiro guided them to three MTN8 crowns and two Nedbank Cups. The club also mounted a strong challenge for the Betway Premiership title, but they ultimately fell short each time.

Mamelodi Sundowns will be confirmed as champions for an eighth consecutive season if they beat Chippa United this coming Saturday. Pirates, on the other hand, will be looking to finish the season strongly without Riveiro.

Former Wydad Casablanca head coach Rulani Mokwena has been heavily linked with the club that made his father Julius Sono and uncle Jomo Sono household names in South African football.

IOL Sport

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.