A new name has emerged as the most likely successor to Marcel Koller as Al Ahly coach: Spanish coach Jose Rivero, who currently coaches South African club Orlando Pirates.
Saudi newspapers reported that Jose Gomez, the current coach of Al Fateh, had an agreement with Al Ahly to take over the Red Castle. Previously, it was reported that German coach Marco Rose had also accepted the position.
Rivero Leaves Orlando Pirates
On Monday morning, Orlando Pirates announced in an official statement that Rivero had refused to renew his contract with the club and had asked permission to leave after the team’s final match next Tuesday in order to take over as coach of an undisclosed club.
Rivero has recently received several Arab offers. It was reported that Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca was considering signing him to lead the team in the Club World Cup. His name has also been linked to Zamalek and Al Ahly.
Rivero is the new coach of Al Ahly
According to South African media reports, Rivero already has an agreement with Al Ahly to take over the Egyptian club’s technical directorship, and his early departure is intended to prepare for his new role, which will likely begin with the start of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Reports indicate that the Spanish coach, who was earning only $60,000 with Orlando Pirates, will become the highest-paid coach in Africa, earning $250,000 per month in his new role as Al Ahly coach.
Rivero will sign a two-year contract with Al Ahly, with the option to extend for another year. He is not expected to lead the team in the remaining four matches of the Egyptian Premier League due to the intense competition for the title and Mahmoud El Khatib’s management’s reluctance to put pressure on him early.
Who is José Rivero, Al Ahly’s new coach?
Rivero’s resume may not be as extensive as expected for a new Al Ahly coach, but his experience with Orlando Pirates is the most exciting and successful.
The 47-year-old Spanish coach began his career as a youth coach at Celta Vigo, then worked as an assistant to Finnish coach Shefki Kukki at three clubs. In 2019, he began his career as head coach of Finnish club Inter Milan, before taking over as Orlando Pirates manager in the summer of 2022.
As an assistant coach, Rivero won two Finnish league titles. As Orlando Pirates manager, he won three League Cups and two South African Cups. He also led the team to the CAF Champions League semi-finals this year before being eliminated by Pyramids FC.
