In a whirlwind of coaching speculation, Zamalek SC has made headlines by reaching out to former Orlando Pirates manager Jose Riveiro, who is set to leave the South African club at the end of his contract. Riveiro, who has enjoyed a successful tenure with the Pirates, winning five trophies in three years, is now on the radar of the Egyptian giants as they seek a new head coach.
Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed that Riveiro will depart when his three-year deal expires. This announcement has sparked intense discussions about his next destination, with Zamalek emerging as a frontrunner. Recently, Zamalek held a Zoom meeting with Riveiro, indicating their interest in the Spanish tactician. Sources suggest that Zamalek is impressed not only by Riveiro's track record but also by his affordability, as the club is willing to stretch their budget to attract a new head coach.
Zamalek's financial capabilities are noteworthy; they can offer salaries ranging from USD60,000 to USD90,000 (approximately R1.1 million to R1.6 million) per month, which is significantly higher than Riveiro's current earnings at the Pirates. The standard salary for a coach at Zamalek is around USD50,000 (about R904,000), and they have previously employed coaches within this salary bracket, including Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro.
Despite the interest from Zamalek, the club currently has Ayman El Ramadi in an interim role following the departure of their previous coach. El Ramadi, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, has been tasked with leading the team until the end of the season, and Riveiro's potential appointment hinges on the interim coach's performance in the coming weeks.
El Ramadi expressed his excitement about taking over Zamalek in a press conference held on May 8, 2025, just a day before their upcoming match against Ceramica Cleopatra. “If I recall my memory and imagine with myself that I wish to work with a team that entertains the fans and offers enjoyable football, I would not find better than Zamalek,” he stated, emphasizing the club's rich history and its reputation for entertaining play.
He further elaborated, saying, “Football was created for enjoyment, and Zamalek is always enjoyable. The majority of Zamalek fans are present because they follow a team that is enjoyable, and I personally love enjoyment in football.” El Ramadi's enthusiasm for his new role is palpable, as he described his first training session with the team as one of the most enjoyable experiences in his lengthy career.
As Zamalek prepares to face Ceramica Cleopatra in a crucial league match on May 9, 2025, El Ramadi is keenly aware of the challenges ahead, particularly with injuries affecting the squad. “Zamalek is a big team, and the many injuries bother me. Any player who will play tomorrow is registered in Zamalek, and everyone bears responsibility,” he stated, underlining the importance of squad depth and player availability.
El Ramadi has a history with Ceramica Cleopatra, having worked with them for 22 months prior to his appointment at Zamalek. He respects his former team, acknowledging their strengths and the quality players they possess. “The opposing team is good and has distinguished players. I respect Ceramica Cleopatra,” he remarked, as he prepares his squad for the challenge.
As the clock ticks down to the match, Zamalek fans are hopeful that El Ramadi can steer the team to victory and solidify their position in the Nile League championship phase. The match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. GMT, and with El Ramadi's infectious enthusiasm and commitment to enjoyable football, supporters are eager to see how the team performs.
Meanwhile, Riveiro's future remains uncertain as he weighs his options. With Zamalek showing interest, as well as the potential for opportunities in the Middle East market, the next few weeks could be pivotal for the Spanish coach. His successful stint at Orlando Pirates, which included guiding the team to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, has certainly caught the attention of clubs looking to bolster their coaching staff.
As the coaching carousel spins, Zamalek's decision on whether to pursue Riveiro will depend on how El Ramadi's interim period unfolds. Should the interim coach perform well, he may secure his position, but if results falter, Riveiro could find himself stepping into a role at one of Africa's most storied clubs.
With the football world watching closely, the developments surrounding Zamalek and their coaching situation are sure to create buzz in the days leading up to the match against Ceramica Cleopatra. Fans of both clubs will be eager to see how this story unfolds, as the stakes continue to rise in the competitive landscape of African football.
