Riveiro’s Al Ahly gamble backfires

YENA A YA KWINI! Where was he going? This has been the reaction of many Orlando Pirates fans after their former coach José Riveiro was sacked by Al Ahly just seven matches into his reign at the Egyptian giants.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

After all, the Buccaneers had offered him a contract extension and made clear how much they valued his services. But like any ambitious coach, Riveiro opted for the alure of the continent’s most successful club.

Was it the wrong decision?

With hindsight, perhaps so, as the Spaniard now finds himself among the unemployed following a disappointing start in Cairo.

For me, though, Riveiro’s mistake was not in accepting the Ahly job, but in taking it at the time he did. Again, ambition came into play. The Fifa Club World Cup is the ultimate stage, and everyone in football aspires to experience it.

When Ahly came calling, they were on the verge of competing at the tournament in the US. Pirates were still mid-season, but Riveiro pushed for an early release and chairman Irvin Khoza reluctantly obliged. He wanted the big stage. What Riveiro misjudged, however, was the seriousness with which Ahly approached the competition.