Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described himself as the “happiest coach” as he chases his second trophy with the club. The Bucs are up against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday [18h00] in Polokwane.
While the Moroccan admits leading one of the country’s biggest clubs comes with immense pressure, he embraces the pressures that come with it. Ouaddou, whose side has already claimed the MTN8 trophy this season, knows how important it will be to secure a second piece of silverware for the Buccaneers faithful in Polokwane. The PSL confirmed last week that the match, to be played at the 46,000-seater Peter Mokaba Stadium, was sold out.
OUADDOU ENJOYING COACHING “SUCH GOOD PLAYERS”
“I am enjoying the moment in Orlando. I am enjoying coaching such good players,” Ouaddou said. “Every morning when I wake up and come to work, I’m the happiest coach. It’s not an easy position when you come to coach such a big club; you have a lot of expectations. But to be honest, I’m very happy.”
He stressed that while the job is demanding, his commitment remains focused on delivering results. “To judge the work… It’s too early. We are just aligned with the club’s target,” he added. “We will have time at the end of the season to maybe evaluate the work that has been done here.”
The Moroccan reiterated his deep trust in the club’s existing structure, stressing the competencies of his South African and Tunisian colleagues.
“I’m someone who is using the staff’s competencies, most of them South African and Tunisian… So, it’s very important to use the competencies that we have in the club,” he explained.
“I came alone here. I trust 100% in the people’s competencies. So, all these people are helping me to reach the targets.”
With the crucial Carling Final looming against his former club, Gallants, his attention is solely fixed on securing the domestic cup double for the club.
He challenged his team to maintain their current character and commitment to please the massive travelling support.
“For now, there are only games to play, only games to win,” Ouaddou insisted. “Every game we play, we play with the same character, the same pleasure, the same commitment to deliver performance for our club and for our fans.”
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