Jose Riveiro: Ex-Orlando Pirates Coach Named European Side's New Manager

• Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has landed another coaching job months after being sacked by Al Ahly of Egypt
• The Spanish mentor was heavily linked with a possible return to the Premier Soccer League, but opted for a move back to Europe
• The former Celta Vigo youth team coach's move back to Europe sparked mixed reactions from football fans on social media

Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is back on the touchline after being officially presented as the new head coach of Swedish outfit AIK Stockholm.

Riveiro ended his three-year spell with Pirates near the conclusion of the 2024/25 season and subsequently took up a role with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. That chapter proved brief, as he was relieved of his duties only a few matches into the new campaign.

The Spaniard has now made a return to Europe, continuing his career in Scandinavia with AIK.

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Riveiro's record with Orlando Pirates

Riveiro was officially unveiled as Orlando Pirates FC head coach on 25 June 2022. In his debut season, he enjoyed immediate success, steering the Buccaneers to victory in the 2022 MTN 8 Cup and the 2022–23 Nedbank Cup, while also finishing second in the South African Premier Division to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League.

He continued his silverware run by lifting the 2023 MTN 8 Cup and successfully retaining the Nedbank Cup in the 2023–24 campaign with a final triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns. His achievements reached a historic milestone in 2024 when he became the first coach to claim three consecutive MTN 8 titles after winning that year’s competition.

During the 2024–25 season, Riveiro led Orlando Pirates to second-place finishes in both the league and the Nedbank Cup. On the continental stage, he guided the side to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where their campaign ended in a narrow 3–2 aggregate defeat to Pyramids.

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Riveiro named AIK Stockolm new manager

Expressing his delight at the appointment, Riveiro said he was honoured to join a club deeply rooted in football culture. He described AIK as an institution defined by a clear identity, lofty ambitions and an intense passion surrounding the team.

Riveiro added that he is eager to begin work, forge strong connections, and collaborate closely with players and staff as they strive to improve on a daily basis and progress both individually and as a collective unit.

The Spanish tactician's move to AIK sparked reactions from Orlando Pirates fans and others on social media.

Ntokozo Mphilo said:

"Kaizer Chiefs' management were taking photos wth him while other teams in Europe were talking to his Agent."

Ananias Mabasa shared:

"He got a good CV from Orlando Pirates, now a big deal from Europe, woow."

Moeketsi Mac Molefi wrote:

"Next season, he’ll be back again in South Africa to coach Stellenbosch FC."

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Aphelele Mbongwa Nombuso implied:

"Eish, I wanted him at Bafana Bafana after the World Cup, but it might still happen, but we don't know the future."

Collins Colie commented:

"He is going to relegate that team just like Pitso Mosimane. European football is not the same as Gauteng football."

Mbotho Thoyana added:

"Glad Kaizer Chiefs missed out on signing a coach of Riveiro's caliber."

Sundowns sign Bafana star from Pirates

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have signed a Bafana Bafana forward from Orlando Pirates this January.

The Betway Premiership defending champions added more firepower to their attacking line as they hope to challenge the Sea Robbers for the title in the second half of the season.

Source: Briefly News