Jose Riveiro did not give assurances whether he would come back and raid Orlando Pirates for some of their players and it seems his move was strategic.
Riveiro left Pirates one week ago after opting to end his contract earlier than expected as he had secured another job that needed an early arrival and it has since been established that he is set to be unveiled by Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
The Spanish coach is already on the lookout for players who will help him achieve instant success that is demanded by the Cairo Red Devils and according to reports in Egypt, Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is the man he desires the most.
Al Ahly ‘show interest' in Mbokazi
Mbokazi has sprung into prominence since getting promoted to the senior team by Riveiro this season, playing every game since the start of March, and he has shown great maturity yet he is just 19.
Egyptian outlet Number1 reports that the Team of the Century have expressed interest in the left-footed centre-back, who has looked assured ever since he was handed a run into the team.
That is after Riveiro’s recommendation which brings into focus what the tactician said about the possibility of raiding Pirates for top talents when he was leaving.
What did Riveiro say about raiding Pirates?
“It’s a difficult question, Pirates is full of talent, full of really good prospects. But that’s not my role and will never be. Right now in modern football, we as coaches have a say obviously in the players who are coming and going, but it belongs more to the strategic side of the business,” he said in his interview with Radio947.
“In this case, for Orlando Pirates and whichever club wants to look at our talent here. The role that I’m playing in that kind of situation and operation is minimal, and whatever happens in the future is not going to have a straight relation with my decision, my influence, or my opinion.”
Mbokazi has played 16 games across all competitions for Pirates this season and it remains to be seen if Al Ahly will make their interest concrete or whether the Soweto giants will entertain any offers for one of South Africa’s bright young talents.
