Al Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro has detailed the difference between what makes Egyptian teams much more successful in the CAF Champions League than South African teams.
The Spaniard completed a switch to the Red Devils shortly before the conclusion of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign having won five domestic cups in almost three years at the Bucs helm.
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Riveiro touched on culture and religion as just some of the things that are different to Mzansi.
“We living in the same planet but the differences between the different corners are big,” he told Andile Ncube on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified when asked about some of the reasons why Egyptian teams are so successful in the CAFCL.
“Remember, I came to South Africa from Finland so the impact, the culture it’s totally different. Now, I’m going the other way around. I’m going different direction it’s a different culture from religion, society, way to understand life and football as well, it’s not really the same than in South Africa.
“Again, for me it’s to do a quick adaptation to the environment to understand the people, to understand the rules, to understand the type of football the fans want from Ahly as well.
“It’s not only about winning. There’s much more things and I found a club with a huge story behind. You can feel it from the moment you step in from the first day.
“A traditional one with treating the people, with a huge respect, myself and the people who came with me. We’re feeling very welcome from everybody around with a bigger structure, with everyone working together with us to make sure that these players are getting everything they need.
“And, so far, so good. Like I said, it’s a very particular situation to start your journey in a club with just 10, 11 days to prepare the team to play in a [Club] World Cup, so we trying to learn as much as we can, as quick as we can.
“And make sure that from Saturday until the end of the competition, we can be a competitive side, and after that looking forward for the next season with a little bit more time to try to start the competition and making sure that we are ready to be the Al Ahly we want to see in the next year.”
Riveiro’s charges open their CWC account against Inter Miami on Sunday, 15 June.
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