Contractual battle looming between Orlando Pirates new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou & Marumo Gallants? - ‘The matter was finalised’

Abdeslam Ouaddou has been recently appointed as Orlando Pirates' coach after a couple of weeks out in the cold.

The 46-year-old had a relatively good campaign in the Premier Soccer League with Marumo Gallants, whom he helped get out of the relegation zone to the 10th position after taking over in January. Recent reports claim the former defender was not cleared with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, having signed a two-year deal before his shocking exit.

Gallants, through their spokesperson Sello Nduna, have clarified the matter, especially after the club had initially turned down the tactician's exit.

"The matter was finalised. It was like that initially, up until the two parties communicated and we amicably parted ways," Nduna said as quoted by SNL24.

"We amicably parted ways, hence currently we're busy talking to a number of coaches, checking who we can appoint for the new season," he concluded.

Coaching Pirates is a tall order for Ouaddou, owing to what former coach Jose Riveiro achieved.

In three years, the Spaniard made the Soweto giants one of the best teams not only in Mzansi but on the continent as well.

From his short stint at Gallants and the experience gained as a player turning out for top teams, Ouaddou might deliver and in the process silence his critics.

However, he has to hit the ground running as soon as possible.

Ouaddou's first test will be in Pirates' pre-season in Spain, where Bucs will play some tricky European outfits.

The Sea Robbers will then return home, hoping to deliver in domestic assignments and the Caf Champions League.