Ex-Orlando Pirates striker criticises Jose Riveiro’s ‘rushed’ move to Al Ahly
Former Orlando Pirates striker James Mothibi criticised Jose Riveiro’s hasty move to Al Ahly, suggesting it was a premature decision in his coaching career, while praising Riveiro’s successor, Abdeslam Ouaddou, for his positive impact at the club. Picture: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP
Image: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP
Hindsight is always 20/20, yet still the words of former Orlando Pirates striker James Mothibi sound about right.
In the wake of Jose Riveiro’s dismissal as Al Ahly coach over the weekend, it’s a career move the tactician should probably have not made.
When Riveiro first joined Pirates in 2022, it’s worth remembering he was nicknamed ‘The Plumber’ as many questioned his qualifications to lead the Soweto Giants.
However, Riveiro steadily proved his doubters wrong as he built Pirates back into a force in South African football. Flash forward to 2025, Riveiro won two Nedbank Cups and three MTN 8 titles with the Soweto Giants. But then suddenly, he announced he was leaving at the end of the season and then after that he still vacated his position another month early.
Coach Jose's Sudden Move to Al Ahly Raises Questions
"You know, if, for whatever reason, you decide to leave, and then suddenly resurface elsewhere, like coach Jose did... Remember that when he resigned, it wasn't announced that he was going to Al Ahly. We were told his family needed him at home," James Mothibi, former Pirates striker, told Kick Off.
"But then he went to Al Ahly, which I personally believe was a hasty decision on his part, considering he was still in the process of building his coaching career.”
As for Riveiro’s successor at Pirates, Abdeslam Ouaddou has hardly put a foot wrong according to the 48-year-old Mothibi.
"Pirates have just replaced him with a new coach, and knowing the club, they always focus on what they have. Currently, they have coach Ouaddou, and both the players and the club seem to hold him in high regard.
"They have been patient with him. Pirates are in fifth place on the log, and we are in for an exciting season.”