Orlando Pirates have confirmed the arrival of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach, signalling the beginning of a fresh chapter for the Soweto giants. The Moroccan tactician, aged 46, takes the reins following the departure of the highly successful Jose Riveiro, and with a solid contract in place, expectations are high for what lies ahead.
Long-Term Vision for Orlando Pirates
According to sources close to the club, Abdeslam Ouaddou has penned a straight three-year contract with Pirates, which will officially run from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2028. The agreement mirrors previous coaching deals the Buccaneers have offered in recent years, including those handed to Riveiro, Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, and Ruud Krol.
A high-ranking club insider confirmed the nature of the contract, describing it as part of the club’s evolving approach to technical leadership. “Yes, I can confirm that it’s a straight three-year deal. That’s now the standard at the club. It gives the coach enough time to implement his strategy without the pressure of short-term results,” the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Technical Team Still Under Review
While Ouaddou’s appointment has been finalised, the composition of his supporting technical team is still being evaluated. A second source within the club revealed that the Pirates hierarchy is working behind the scenes to fill out the rest of the bench, with announcements expected ahead of the team’s pre-season tour to Spain.
“There have been a number of internal changes, and that’s why the rest of the technical team has not yet been confirmed. The leadership is handling that part carefully. Everything should be in place before the team departs for Spain in early July,” the source explained.
This deliberate approach suggests Pirates are keen to align the new head coach with a staff structure that complements his style and vision, rather than rushing into appointments.
Abdeslam Ouaddou: High Stakes Following Riveiro’s Reign
Ouaddou steps into a role that comes with enormous pressure and expectation. Jose Riveiro, now regarded as one of the most decorated coaches in the club’s recent history, claimed five trophies during his time in charge — including an impressive three successive MTN8 titles.
The Moroccan now faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum while also injecting his own identity into the team. Though his experience in the local league is limited, Ouaddou brings with him international coaching credentials, including a stint with AS Vita Club and a recent role at Marumo Gallants.
A Measured Gamble with Potential Rewards
Orlando Pirates’ decision to offer Ouaddou a long-term deal signals a clear intent to build something lasting, even if the new coach is still acclimatising to the domestic landscape. While some may see the move as a gamble, insiders suggest the club is focused on continuity, development, and giving their new mentor room to grow.
Club officials were not available for comment at the time of publishing, but the buzz surrounding the appointment suggests supporters are eager to see what the Moroccan strategist brings to the pitch.
Eyes on Spain, and the Season Beyond
As the Buccaneers gear up for their Spanish pre-season tour in July, all attention will be on how swiftly Ouaddou can assemble his backroom staff and lay the groundwork for the 2025/26 campaign. The foundation has been set — now it’s up to the new coach to build something worthy of the club’s legacy.
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