Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has offered rare insight into the Buccaneers’ internal transfer philosophy, revealing that he plays no role in scouting or recruiting new signings at the club.
The Moroccan tactician lifted the lid on Pirates’ backroom strategy following his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
The Buccaneers edged Babina Noko at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon to book their spot in the last four, courtesy of a solitary first-half strike from teenage sensation Mpho Padime. The result marked Pirates’ fourth consecutive victory over Sekhukhune across all competitions this season.
Following their progression, Pirates have been drawn against Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals, while arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs will lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns in the other last-four tie, with official dates and venues to be confirmed by the PSL.
Addressing the media after the tight encounter in Soweto, Ouaddou opened up about the club’s transfer mechanics, emphasising that he focuses exclusively on coaching while relying entirely on the club’s specialised scouting network to recruit talent.
OUADDOU CLARIFIES HIS ROLE IN PIRATES’ TRANSFER MARKET
“Look, I think the club has a very good scouting department,” Ouaddou stated when asked whether he would personally hunt for a prolific striker during Pirates’ upcoming CAF Champions League travels.
“They know exactly what they are looking for, the identity of the club, and the way they want to play. It’s no secret to anybody that I’m here to coach, and I’m not here to scout players.
“I have the players at my [disposal], and I play with the players that I have. Unfortunately, [signing of players] is not part of my duties. Let’s put it that way—it’s not part of my contract to look for players.
“It’s another department’s job to look for players. Of course, if you ask me about [searching for a striker], I have a big network across Africa, but I don’t bring them here.”
PIRATES’ SCOUTING MODEL CONTINUES TO REAP REWARDS
In recent transfer windows, Pirates have established a reputation as one of the most efficient recruitment machines in African football, consistently identifying unheralded talent from smaller clubs and refining them into top-tier stars.
The Sea Robbers’ scouting structure has unearthed dynamic talents such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi, and Matome Mmolai.
This high-yield recruitment model has not only delivered silver on the pitch but has also proven lucrative financially, facilitating high-profile overseas moves for stars like Patrick Maswanganyi, Mbokazi, and Mofokeng.
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