Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has opened up about reports suggesting he intends to lure players from Orlando Pirates following his recent move to the Egyptian Premier League giants.
Riveiro signed a two-year contract with the 12-time CAF Champions League winners after a successful three-season spell with the Buccaneers.
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Just weeks into his tenure at the Red Devils, reports surfaced claiming that Riveiro was eyeing several Pirates stars, including rising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Some reports even alleged that Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib had given the Spanish tactician the green light to pursue the highly-rated young talent from the Sea Robbers.
Additionally, the name of Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng was mentioned amongst Riveiro’s potential targets to strengthen his squad.
However, new reports from Egypt indicate that the 49-year-old coach has dismissed claims that he is actively seeking to sign players from his former club, although he could not dirently deny rumors surrounding Mbokazi.
"I like the players to be at the same level. We will participate in many tournaments in the coming period, and I don't like any player to be guaranteed a place in the team," Rivero said on Al-Ahly TV, per Tahiamasr.
"Every player must perform strongly in training in order to be a regular starter in matches. We want strong players who can always compete. I don't want a large number of players on the team. I like a small number of players, and that's what I prefer."
"I want to give every player a chance. I didn't ask any player from Orlando (Pirates) to join Al Ahly. The current group at Al Ahly is excellent, and Mahmoud El Khatib, the club's president, is constantly supporting the team.
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"I always like to focus and work with the players so they can compete in the coming period. I trust all the players, and the fans' ambitions are very natural because they always want to win championships. Without the fans' pressure, Al Ahly would have failed to win titles."
