‘I’m not done yet’: Jose Riveiro opens up on his next coaching chapter
Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has opened up about his future after being sacked by Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has opened up about his future plans as he returned to South Africa for the first time since leaving the Soweto giants.
Riveiro left Pirates towards the end of last season to join Egyptian outfit Al Ahly. Unfortunately, his time with the Red Devils wasn’t a happy one, and he was sacked soon after the new season resumed.
After he was fired, there was speculation that he might return to South Africa. However, the ex-Bucs coach has always maintained he would not return to the PSL to coach another team due to his love for Pirates.
On Thursday, Riveiro was speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa and said he didn’t have a definite plan for his future, but there were a few regions where he would like to coach.
“It’s difficult to say, but the intention is to hopefully coach in Europe, but I never say no to Africa, the Middle East or the USA,” the Spaniard said in his chat with Marawa.
“I’ve already been 11 years abroad from home since 2014. There was a narrative as well about me missing my country and family and stuff like that. That’s not even close to being true,” he continued.
“Obviously, I’m not a rock or a brick, I’m human. But when you decide to be a football coach, you have to assume certain things and this is one… My decision is not going to be determined by the kilometres between me and my home in this case.
“That time will come because I still want to continue coaching. I’m still young, I’m 48 years old. I think I can still give something to the game.”
Despite the uncertainty, Riveiro made it clear that he remains energised by the game and open to whatever challenge comes next. Whether his journey leads him back to Europe or keeps him exploring new football cultures abroad, the Spaniard insists he is far from done.
And with his reputation for calm authority and tactical clarity, it’s unlikely he’ll be out of the dugout for long – wherever he lands, Riveiro seems determined to write his next chapter on his own terms.
IOL Sport