Newly-appointed Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed doubts surrounding his appointment at the club, where he steps in to replace former coach Jose Riveiro.
Pirates surprised many in June by announcing Abdeslam Ouaddou, the French-Moroccan coach, as their new head coach. Ouaddou has penned a two-year deal with the club.
The move was a major curveball as many had anticipated a high-profile return for Rulani Mokwena, who had been heavily linked with the Buccaneers.
Ouaddou took over at Pirates after he departed Marumo Gallants at the end of the previous season, where he saved the club from relegation, after winning five matches, drawing four and losing three out of 12 during his three-month stint.
His appointment was immediately met with criticism, largely because he had apparently not won a trophy before. Meanwhile, the departed Riveiro won five trophies for the club during his three-season spell.
PIRATES COACH OUADDOU SPEAKS ON HIS DOUBTERS
Responding to those questioning his appointment, Ouaddou remarked, “People can say, ‘This coach, what did he win?, he’s not experienced and how can he coach such a big club?’. But I believe more in the competency than experience.”
“You can have someone who has been coaching for the past 20 years but didn’t win anything. But on the other hand, you can have a young coach with competency, but he’s starving; he wants to win. At the same time, you can have a player in your team who has 15 years of experience but didn’t win any trophies. But you can have a 16-year-old with fantastic qualities who can make you win the league.
“What are you going to do? Will you choose the experienced one? So, I’m a bit confused when it comes to experience and competency.”
However, the former Marumo Gallants mentor acknowledged the significant challenge ahead of him. He also took the opportunity to applaud the commendable work done by his predecessor, Riveiro.
OUADDOU APPLAUDS RIVEIRO’S WORK
“What I can say is this is a big challenge, the club is well organised,” Ouaddou added.
“In recent years, they have done a fantastic job, and they need to go forward. We also have to congratulate the previous coach, Riveiro, who is a fantastic man and did a great job.
“Thanks to the board as well, they supported him. We have arrived at the end of the five-year project. I’m ready now [for a new challenge].”
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