Irvin & Mpumi Khoza accused of appointing Abdeslam Ouaddou as this 'would allow management to have significant influence on team decisions!' Rhulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane 'could have effectively complemented type of players Orlando Pirates has'

Orlando Pirates have been in the market for a new coach to replace Jose Riveiro, who left for Al Ahly following the expiry of his contract.

Big names were linked with the vacant position at the Soweto giants, among them Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy, and Rhulani Mokwena, but the club's management had different ideas.

They went for the former Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, a move that shocked many.

Now former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye has faulted the Buccaneers management, which is led by Mpumi Khoza and Irvin Khoza, arguing they wanted someone they could easily control.

"I observed him at Marumo Gallants last season, and he did well, but I believe Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane could have made a better choice," he told SNL24.

"Yes, the new coach had success at Marumo Gallants, but Pirates is a massive brand. I’m not convinced he is the ideal replacement for Jose Riveiro, who secured several titles with the club during his tenure, particularly with younger players.

"Will he elevate Pirates from the position where Jose Riveiro left them? I think he was the right coach for Marumo Gallants," Khanye continued.

"Rhulani and Pitso could have effectively complemented the type of players Pirates have.

"However, it appears that Pirates wanted a coach who would allow the management to have a significant influence on team decisions.

"Abdeslam Ouaddou should have stayed at least another season at Gallants and aimed to win a trophy there. I have my doubts; his appointment surprised me. I’m puzzled by it. I think he was chosen because he is willing to work under Pirates’ conditions," he concluded.

Having helped Marumo Gallants to stabilise within six months and push them to a 10th-place finish underlines Ouaddou's abilities.

However, Riveiro has already set the bar high for his successor, meaning the fans will want more or at least the same energy and results as the Spaniard's.

The forthcoming pre-season will be a good time for him to study his players and ensure his tactics are well understood.

The fans have to create a good working environment for the new coach to deliver as anticipated.

It is interesting to see how Ouaddou will perform, especially in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.