Riveiro Makes Latest Transfer ‘Request’

Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro has reportedly revealed to the club management that he wants to sign three new players to bolster the team's defence. 

Jose Riveiro's first assignment as Al Ahly boss was to take charge of the club's FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The tournament did not go quite as Riveiro or club officials hoped as the side were eliminated in the group stage after just two draws and a defeat.

The Red Giant now head to a well-deserved break before meeting again for pre-season in Mid-July, which will reportedly take place in Spain. 

While the players enjoy their break, Riveiro continues to work behind the scenes to get his team prepared for the next campaign. According to Ahly News, the Spaniard reportedly requested defensive reinforcements for next season.

"Spanish coach José Riveiro asked [club president] Mahmoud El Khatib to strengthen the defensive line,” journalist Ahmed Shobeir said.

He added. "He emphasized Al Ahly’s defence needs bolstering following errors at the Club World Cup, referring to it as “Ah minh Yani” (that’s how it is)."

The former Orlando Pirates boss emphasised the need to sign three new defenders.

"Riveiro officially asked for three new signings: a right-back, a centre-back, and a left-back," Shobeir said.

"Chairman Mahmoud El Khatib has strongly supported both Sports Director Mohamed Youssef and coach Riveiro, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver a historic season," he added. 

Chiefs Target Shinga's Price & Contract Details

Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be on the verge of signing a Portugal-based defender, and the Siya crew provides the latest on the situation.

The two parties are understood to have reached an agreement, and the player's European experience is believed to be one of the main factors in the move.

As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Amakhosi are interested in FC Alverca defender Nkanyiso Shinga who they have been following for some time now. 

A transfer specialist with knowledge of European markets has discussed what the contract could be between Chiefs and the player. The insider also discussed the price Amakhosi are expected to have to pay for Shinga.

"Shinga has been offered a three-year contract and apparently all the personal terms are believed to have been agreed upon and the player is happy to leave Portugal and join Amakhosi. Chiefs are going to pay a transfer fee of around R4.5 million which is believed to be very fair considering that his club just got promoted in Portugal and considering his age as well. So, for now, that's the position and the player is currently in South Africa. The club also believes that they have looked at the experience of Shinga who has been playing in Portugal for over five years to help in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign. They believe he is better positioned than the other left backs because of his experience," the insider told Soccer Laduma.

Meanwhile, a second insider with knowledge of Chiefs' negotiations provides more detail on the length of the potential contract.

"Yes, it's a three-year contract but it has a one-year option on it. That means his could stay at the club until June 2029. You know Thabo Cele is believed to also have played a part in convincing Nkanyiso (Shinga) to come and join Chiefs as they know each other from KZN even before they left for Portugal," the second insider told the Siya crew.

Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the status of the signing but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.

Shinga is expected to be one of the few players who are set to be announced by the club before they leave for the Netherlands for their pre-season training camp.

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