Can Abdeslam Ouaddou surpass Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates? Former English Premier League star to shine - 'He can take the club to another level'

Orlando Pirates made a surprise appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new coach, replacing Jose Riveiro.

Former Buccaneers playmaker Benedict Vilakazi believes the former Morocco international has what it takes to achieve big things with Pirates.

"Look, he did very well at Marumo Gallants, they [Pirates supporters] just have to give him the support and confidence to say we believe in you, and we saw the job you did at Gallants and hope you will do it here at Pirates," Vilakazi told Sowetan Live. 

"He is a good coach looking at what he did with Gallants. He didn't even have a pre-season with them. We always know Gallants to be fighting for relegation, but he put them in a position where they didn't have to worry about that. Just imagine with the material and resources at Pirates, I think he can take the club to another level.

"He has an opportunity to create his history because he will find good players at Pirates," added the former Bafana Bafana star. 

"I think he is going to do well, we just need to give him time and I think it is good that he will have a pre-season with the team unlike at Gallants, yet he still put them in a good position. Imagine with the good players Pirates have ... I think things will be much better."

Expectations are high on Ouaddou, who takes over from Riveiro, who won five Cup finals with Pirates.

Apart from matching or surpassing that, the Moroccan has a chance to make history by guiding the Soweto giants to the Premier Soccer League title, which they last won in 2012.

There is also the Caf Champions League, which the Buccaneers have not won in 30 years.

The new Pirates coach is now working on transfers as he builds a squad for next season.

Sipho Mbule has become Ouaddou's first signing and new faces are expected to be announced at Pirates in the next few days before they leave for the pre-season tour of Spain.