After Orlando Pirates announced the early release of head coach Jose Riveiro, KickOff has the latest on the Spaniard's links to a new club.
On Monday morning, Pirates released a second statement on the future of Riveiro, after announcing that he has been granted his wish to be released early from his contract, with the club set to bid him farewell after the game against Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
READ: BREAKING: New twist in Pirates, Riveiro parting of ways
The Buccaneers Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza confirmed that the Spanish coach has signed "with the new club" hence the request to depart shortly after the Nedbank Cup final loss to Kaizer Chiefs.
"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," Khoza was quoted as saying in the club's official statement.
KickOff exclusively revealed two weeks ago that Al Ahly offered the 47-year-old coach the manager role after the Egyptian giants parted ways with Marcel Koller, following a string of poor results.
This website understands that The Red Devils has been speeding up the process of appointing the new manager, with the 2025 FIFA Club World on the horizon, starting in mid June.
According to sources in Egypt, the Spaniard was among coaches Al Ahly were negotiating with, even though Francisco Jose Garcia, who parted ways with Sevilla, appeared to be the leading candidate.
However, Garcia has been in demand elsewhere in Europe and has been strongly linked with a manager post at English side Watford.
READ: Riveiro sends emotional farewell after shock Bucs announcement
This publication has been led to believe that with Garcia having other "priorities" at this moment, Al Ahly stepped up talks with the Pirates head coach, whose contract was coming to an end when the season concludes.
Word reaching this website is that Riveiro was offered a contract too hard to turn down, with the salary negotiations starting at $100, 000 (R1,8 million) and set to increase to around $150, 000 (R2, 7 million) and above should he win titles.
Former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane was reportedly offered $120 000 (+-R2 million back in 2020) by the record African champions before he terminated his contract at Mamelodi Sundowns.
