Latest news with #Riveiro
The South African
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
'He was extremely upset': Jose Riveiro misses chance to reunite with Pirates?
Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro is reportedly upset with the club's management's decision not to allow to team to travel to Spain for their pre-season. The 49-year-old Spanish coach joined the Red Devils in May from Orlando Pirates where he won five trophies in three years. During his time with the Buccaneers, Riveiro took his team to Spain twice for pre-season, which was one of the reasons why the Sea Robbers were successful. According to Journalist Medhat Shalaby, the former Bucs coach wanted Al Ahly to have their pre-season in his native country, where he believed conditions would be more favourable for preparation. 'Al Ahly had agreed to hold a training camp in Spain, and the Spaniard Jose Riveiro wanted to hold the camp in his country, especially since the atmosphere in Spain is completely different from that in Tunisia at the moment,' Shalaby said per Elwatan News . 'The Spaniard, Riveiro, after learning that the camp would be held in Tunisia, expressed his great anger and was extremely upset. 'The Al-Ahly management convinced him and told him that the Etoile Sportive du Sahel club would cover the costs,' he added. 'In the end, Etoile Sportive du Sahel apologised, and the two friendly matches for Al-Ahly club will be held against both Stade Tunisien (already played) and Bizertin.' Jose Riveiro could possibly have reunited with Orlando Pirates, given that the Buccaneers' pre-season was recently held in Spain. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Abdeslam Ouaddou promises a better version of Reveiro's Orlando Pirates
NEW Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, left, promises to improve the side as he shakes his predecessor Jose Riveiro's hand. | BackpagePix Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team has reached the end of a 'process', hence they'll have to fight for honours next season. Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Pirates after his predecessor Jose Riveiro left the club amid the expiry of his contract to join Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach has bigger shoes to fill as he builds on a conrete foundation that Riveiro laid and take the team to dizzy heights. Ouaddou must continue to ensure that Pirates are still the 'Cup Kings', while returning them back to the pinnacle of SA football for the first time since 2012. The former Marumo Gallants' coach, speaking in an exclusive interview with Pirates TV yesterday, said he's ready for the task that lies ahead. 'We are (going to be) very ambitious - the players and staff,' Ouaddou said. 'What we can promise (the fans) is that they'll see a very strong team this season. 'We'll be very ambitious, with a strong character and personality. (In the end) we will be a winning team.' Ouaddou is not naive, though, thinking that everything will be easy. That's why he wants to continue with where Riveiro has left off, and then instill a winning habit. 'It's a big challenge, and the club is well organised. But they've arrived at a stage where they need to go forward,' Ouaddou explained. 'They did a fantastic job during the previous years. We have to congratulate Riveiro - he's a fantastic man and did a fantastic job. Thanks to the board which supported him. 'They had a strong vision, and allowed people to work. But perhaps, we've now arrived at the end of the project of five years. 'People now need victories, and trophies. I am very passionate and ready for that. Of course, there's pressure everywhere … but it's a good pressure.'
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates' latest coaching gamble echoes Jose Riveiro's yesteryear surprise appointment
Orlando Pirates have rolled the dice again. Three years ago, when Orlando Pirates made the controversial choice to recruit relatively unknown Spaniard Jose Riveiro as their head coach, scepticism flooded sports forums. Many questioned the wisdom of one of Africa's most storied clubs looking to Finland's First Division for inspiration, especially considering the nation's modest ranking of 69th in the world. Fast forward to this week, and the sea of doubt has resurfaced, but this time directed at the new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou. Riveiro's tenure did not start very well, but instead of firing him, Pirates persevered with him, much to the disgust of the club's demanding supporters who mocked him by labelling him a 'plumber'. This is a common term used by locals as a veiled reference to an unknown coach, hailing from a relatively obscure coaching background. The quiet Spaniard surprised many by leading the Pirates to significant victories, including lifting the MTN8 trophy in 2022. His adept blend of strategy and a fresh take on football impressed both supporters and critics alike. The calculated risk had yielded unexpected rewards. The Moroccan-born Ouaddou's first coaching appointment was with Algeria's national football team as an apprentice coach in 2020. He worked alongside Frenchman Djamel Belmadi, a vastly experienced coach. When Ouaddou joined Marumo Gallants last season, he brought a fresh approach that was needed to save the club from relegation, and he did so in style with a shock win over Pirates. The Pirates, known for their rich history and passionate following, have opted for Ouaddou instead of coaches like Pitso Mosimane and Rhulani Mokwena, both of whom are presently jobless. Pirates' management will need to harness patience and support for Ouaddou as he embarks on this challenging journey. Like Riveiro, Ouaddou must navigate the complexities of South African football, which is fraught with expectations from a fanbase eager for success. The pressure to perform is immense. If results do not materialise sooner rather than later, the fog of inefficiency will cloud the Mayfair-based team's ambitions for success. The risk was glaringly apparent during Riveiro's tenure, but the initial gamble became a defining chapter in the club's recent history, culminating in exciting performances and revitalised enthusiasm among supporters. As Ouaddou begins crafting a philosophy that aligns with Pirates' ethos, he may yet become the next unexpected success story in the club's illustrious narrative. No doubt, fans will be wondering if Ouaddou will replicate the magic that Riveiro and hope that this audacious move pays dividends in the quest for glory.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Ouaddou's arrival could open doors for these 5 Pirates players
Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will have the opportunity to assess his squad during the upcoming pre-season. The Buccaneers are set to travel to Spain next month, where they are expected to play several friendly matches against high-profile teams. Last season, the club finished second in the Betway Premiership for the third consecutive time under Jose Riveiro. With Riveiro now gone, there will be new changes within the team and different coaching styles. Some players who did not receive full support from the former coach may find new opportunities to shine under Ouaddou. Here are five Orlando Pirates players who could potentially flourish under the new coach: Karim Kimvuidi The Congolese attacker played only eight league matches last season, as he was underutilized by Riveiro. Whenever he had the chance, he displayed glimpses of brilliance. Now, he has the opportunity to show the new technical team what he can do. Thabiso Lebitso The overlooked right-back is a fan favourite, yet he saw very little game time last season, with only two matches to his name. With Thabiso Monyane leaving the team, he might compete with Deano van Rooyen for a spot next season. Under Ouaddou, the Pirates right-back can finally flourish. Tshegofatso Mabasa The talented striker was not favored by Riveiro. Under the new coach, Mabasa can finally rediscover the form that earned him the Golden Boot two years ago. Sipho Mbule The former Mamelodi Sundowns star recently joined the Buccaneers and has caught Ouaddou's attention, as the coach was instrumental in his transfer to Pirates. He is likely to see more playing time this coming season. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo The 30-year-old midfielder featured in only six league matches for Pirates last season. With the new technical team, he may be favored and could appear in several matches early in the season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly coach Riveiro pleased with team performance against Porto despite elimination
However, Ahly and Port bid farewell to the tournament as Inter Miami and Palmeiras finished first and second place in their group stage. 'The game was good to some extent, and our performance was also good. Both teams were exhausted, but the weather was better than in previous games,' the Spanish tactician Riveiro told DAZN TV network after the game. 'We were trying to prove our worth. We lost several scoring chances. We tried,' he added. Ahly—12-time African champions—opened their World Cup campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Inter Miami before losing 2-0 to Brazilian side Palmeiras in the previous game. Commenting on the huge fan presence to support the team at MetLife Stadium, Riveiro said: 'It was like we were playing in Cairo. Ahly supporters are absolutely amazing. I didn't see something like that before.' Ahly have won four bronze medals in nine appearances in the Club World Cup. Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
