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Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

'It takes time, and people don't understand!' Abdeslam Ouaddou fires back at his critics after leading Orlando Pirates to historic MTN8 trophy - 'After two games, people want to fire the coach'

Despite his reign with the Sea Robbers starting on shaky ground, the tactician has succeeded in stabilising the team and just defended their domestic trophy.

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    OUADDOU MAKES HISTORY WITH BUCS

    Abdeslam Ouaddou has taken a jibe at his critics who did not believe he was the right man to handle Premier Soccer League heavyweights Orlando Pirates.

    After leading Bucs to their fourth straight MTN8 trophy, Ouaddou recalled how his credentials were questioned and how critics amplified their criticism after the Sea Robbers lost two opening PSL games.

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  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    OUADDOUA'S LAST LAUGH

    “Of course, we're happy because the club has been winning this trophy for many years," Ouaddou told the media.

    "For people, it’s normal, but it’s not normal because you have to perform, you need to win games against Mamelodi Sundowns, and it was not easy."

    "Football needs patience sometimes when you come to a club that has ten new players, and you have to bring a new weapon for the club to be more dangerous.

    “And sometimes, it takes time, and people don’t understand. Yes, we lost two games at the beginning of the season, but you know how we lost those games; it’s not like we didn’t deserve to win. But still after two games, people want to fire the coach.”

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    CRITICS PROVEN WRONG?

    When the former Marumo Gallants coach was appointed as Jose Riveiro's successor, some critics believed he was not the right man to succeed the Spaniard.

    Riveiro, a fan favourite, managed to lead the Sea Robbers to five trophies in three seasons, and critics believed Ouaddou was a downgrade.

    Criticism of the Moroccan increased even more when Bucs were defeated in two straight games as the new season began: losses to Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United.

    But with the historical MTN8 achievement, the coach might have succeeded in silencing some of the doubters.

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  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates MTN8 2025Backpage

    FOR OUADDOU, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES.

    The MTN8 victory over Stellenbosch was just a continuation of the Pirates' recent form.

    After a poor start in the league, the Soweto giants have managed to register three straight wins in the PSL before they crowned that run with the domestic trophy.

    For Ouaddou, the hope is now to see his players get him the results needed as they focus on the season, regardless of what critics and doubters say.

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