Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sent a message to his technical team at the Soweto giants, stressing that he will need them for next season’s CAF Champions League mission.
The former Marumo Gallants coach has hinted that he could remain at the helm of Pirates, providing some relief to the club’s faithful after weeks of mounting uncertainty surrounding his future. This unexpected doubt emerged despite a historic debut campaign in which the Moroccan tactician delivered a flawless domestic treble—clinching the MTN8, the Carling Knockout Cup, and a monumental first Betway Premiership title for the Buccaneers in 14 years, alongside securing CAF Champions League qualification.
Speaking immediately after his side sealed the league championship with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College FC in Mbombela last month, Ouaddou initially told journalists that he could not definitively commit to his future until holding formal talks with the club’s hierarchy.
“I am very tired. To be able to steer such a massive ship, you need to be entirely fit. I will sit, think, and discuss with the management as well,” Ouaddou admitted candidly. We’ll sit down. We’ll speak and see…it’s not about the contract, it’s not about money. It’s about energy. You need energy to lead this project.”
THE MONUMENTAL IMPACT OF THE MOROCCAN TACTICIAN
Ouaddou took over the hot seat at Mayfair in July 2025 following a brief but highly impressive stint with Gallants, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most tactically astute coaches in the PSL.
In his maiden 2025/26 campaign at Pirates, he masterminded a formidable, free-scoring side that remained equally resolute in defence. This balanced approach proved crucial in pulling off the ultimate domestic heist: dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns, who had ruthlessly dominated South African football by winning the league title for eight consecutive seasons.
While the gruelling 10-month campaign and the immense pressure of ending a 14-year league drought left the coach admittedly drained, fears of his imminent departure have begun to fade.
In a subsequent update, Ouaddou seemingly offered the clearest assurance yet regarding his continuity, noting that he will need his technical team fully recharged and firing for the upcoming season’s demanding schedule.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU SETS HIS SIGHT ON CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“To my incredible and dedicated staff, I am writing these few words from the bottom of my heart to send you my most sincere congratulations and my deepest thanks. Thank you for your hard work, your invaluable expertise, your constant dedication, your sacrifices, and above all, for your boundless love for football and for our club, Orlando Pirates,” Ouaddou said in an Instagram post.
“As evidenced by the wonderful memory of our victorious crew in those photos, we have accomplished a monumental amount of work this season. Together, we have put an end to a 14-year drought. Like true Pirates, we have sailed every sea and ocean, braving the storms, to finally bring the treasure home!
“This season, we managed to make our wonderful and so demanding fans deeply happy. I wholeheartedly hope that we continue to bring this immense joy into their daily lives next season.
“But for now, I ask you to rest well and enjoy your families to the fullest. I expressly need it myself! Disconnect and recharge your batteries, because I will need you again to carry out a special mission when we return: to go and recover another massive treasure at the CAF, without letting anyone steal the one already sitting in our cave!
“Have a great rest, everyone, and come back in shape for a great new adventure. I embrace you, I love you all.”
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