Sergio Almenara: Former Orlando Pirates Coach Joins Jose Riveiro at New Club in Europe
- Ex-Celta Vigo Youth team coach Jose Riveiro has reunited with a former Orlando Pirates assistant manager at his new club in Europe
- The Spanish tactician has since been appointed the new coach of a European club after leaving Egyptian giants Al Ahly
- The 50-year-old tactician worked with his new assistant coach at Orlando Pirates for two seasons before moving back to Europe
A former Orlando Pirates coach has decided to join Jose Riveiro at his new club in Europe, following their successful stint together with the Sea Robbers in the Premier Soccer League.
Source: Getty Images
Riveiro, who was sacked by Al Ahly months after leaving Pirates for the Egyptian giants, was appointed as the head coach of Swedish club AIK in January 2026.
The Spanish gaffer had a good spell with Pirates but couldn't replicate the same feat at Al Ahly. He won the three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles in the PSL.
Riveiro and Almenara Reunite at AIK
Ex-Pirates assistant coach Sergio Almenara has reunited with Riveiro at Swedish club AIK. The Spanish coach was with Riveiro during his time with the Soweto giants.
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Upon his appointment at Pirates, Riveiro enlisted Almenara as his assistant to help restore the club’s former glory. Almenara, aged 45, left the Buccaneers in 2024, with Riveiro following a year later.
Riveiro brought Almenara back to his technical team to continue their productive collaboration, which earned them considerable acclaim during their time as head coach and assistant at Pirates.
The former Al Ahly coach added Almenara to his coaching staff to strengthen AIK’s bid for silverware. Before this reunion, Almenara had served as an assistant coach at FC Copenhagen.
Source: Getty Images
AIK confirm Almenara's appointment
AIK took to their official website to confirm the appointment of Almenara as Riveiro's new assistant on Friday, March 27, 2026. The Swedish side also confirms that the Spanish coach will start work from April 1, 2026, and his contract ends in 2028.
“AIK Football has signed an agreement with Spanish coach Sergio Almenara Crispín to join as assistant to head coach José Riveiro. The contract takes effect from April 1, 2026, and runs through the 2028 season,” AIK confirmed on their official website on Friday.
AIK’s Head of Recruitment, Miika Takkula, commented on the club's decision to reunite Almenara with their head coach, Riveiro.
“We are delighted to welcome Sergio to AIK’s coaching team. His expertise and approach are a perfect fit for our staff. His strengths in individual player development and set-piece management will bring considerable value to the club.”
AIK will start the season with a match against Halmstads BK on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Friends Arena, Solna.
Ex-Pirates star dreams of coaching Chiefs
Briefly News earlier reported that a former Orlando Pirates forward harbours aspirations of coaching Kaizer Chiefs in the future.
The former Bafana Bafana star also mentioned an English Premier League giant as one of the clubs he dreams of managing in the future.
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Source: Briefly News
