Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come out to dismiss rumours suggesting that he is considering offers from clubs in Europe and North Africa.
The 47-year-old has established himself as a household name in South African football after helping the Buccaneers end a 14-year wait for the Betway Premiership title. It was his maiden season with Pirates, and he sealed a treble after also guiding the clyb to the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup triumphs.
Winning three trophies atoned for Pirates’ early exit from the CAF Champions League after reaching the semi-finals the previous season under Jose Riveiro. Now returning to the continent’s premier club competition in the upcoming season, it would be the Soweto giants’ top priority after last being crowned African champions in 1995.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU DECLARES LOYALTY TO ORLANDO PIRATES
Ouaddou’s exploits reverberated beyond the PSL, leading to rumours that some clubs in Europe and North Africa are keen on his services. Flaring up the exit rumours was the former Fulham centre-back himself, after stating that he was considering his future at Pirates.
He said this on the final day of last season, just after he had led the club to a treble. But he has leapt in to pour cold water on reports linking him with clubs outside the Betway Premiership.
“What I want to say is that I have read a lot of things that I have offers in North Africa, in Europe. No, people have to understand that I am a very loyal person,” Ouaddou said on SuperSportBET.
“Mpumi, Nkosana and the father [Irvin Khoza], I have a lot of respect for these people. They gave me the opportunity to lead such a big club. It’s not given just to anybody. So, I must be very loyal to these people and very loyal to our fans as well.”
‘I FELT TIRED’: OUADDOU CONCEDES AFTER PIRATES’ TREBLE MARCH
After the conclusion of the 2025/26 term, the lanky coach admitted that he was drained and needed some rest, and he says he has returned fresh and ready for new challenges.
“Yes, I really had a good time [during the off-season break]. I was just honest with people, I felt tired because to lead such a fantastic club with fantastic fans is demanding,” the former Morocco defender who graced four AFCON tournaments added.
“Everybody knows that it’s demanding. So, I don’t understand why some people don’t understand that sometimes a coach can be tired. But it’s fine, I’m back, I recharged all my batteries. I’m not 100 percent but I’m 2,000 percent.”
Ouaddou is currently in Marbella, Spain, for a pre-season camp as he prepares his team for the Betway Premiership title defence and Champions League campaign.
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