Orlando Pirates media officer Thandi Merafe has explained the thinking behind the surprise appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach.
The Ghosts confirmed the arrival of the Moroccan coach on Monday morning, ending the widespread speculations about the coaching job.
Ouaddou is joining the Soweto giants as a replacement for Jose Riveiro, who stepped down from the coaching role at the end of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership.
The Spanish coach left Pirates to take over the helm at the Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Riveiro left his position at Bucs after spending three seasons at the club, as he had joined in July 2022. He won three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles.
Following the exit of the 49-year-old tactician, media houses were linking a handful of names to the job; however, Pirates sent a shockwave in South African football with the arrival of Ouaddou.
The former AS Vita Club coach is joining the Buccaneers after having a short stint with Marumo Gallants in the second round of the previous season.
WHAT ORLANDO PIRATES’ OFFICIAL SAID ABOUT ABDESLAM OUADDOU
During his time at Gallants, Ouaddou oversaw 12 league matches, securing five wins and four draws, with three losses. This record was crucial in helping the club avoid relegation.
Pirates’ media officer Thandi Merafe explained that the club’s decision to appoint Abdeslam Ouaddou as head coach stems from their philosophy of finding “hidden diamonds” – talented individuals not widely known to the public.
Specifically, Ouaddou’s appeal became evident to Pirates during a match against his former team, Marumo Gallants. Merafe highlighted his “behaviour…when he’s under pressure, the attitude, and the professionalism.”
“Our management has been working tirelessly to prepare the team for the upcoming season, making sure they get the right people in the right space,” Merafe said on Radio 2000.
“We’ve seen how in the past they’ve always managed to get it right, and getting the hidden diamond. I use that term because more often than not, we bring in people that the general public doesn’t know about.
“Orlando Pirates have a very keen eye and an amazing ability to unearth talent and people that are perfect for the brand. So I’m happy with the announcement of the new coach.
“I think the one match where we played against him [at Gallants], you can see the behaviour of the coach when he’s under pressure, the attitude, and the professionalism. He came out as someone who is professional and a gentleman of the game, and I’m sure everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him.”
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