New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is turning doubters into believers after MTN 8 triumph

Ouaddou experienced a tough start to his tenure, facing two consecutive losses in the Premier Soccer League before securing passage to the MTN8 final.

After being appointed head coach in July 2025, Ouaddou began his tenure with two successive defeats in the league, which left some Bucs fans in panic mode. 

This was particularly disappointing given that his predecessor, Riveiro, had set a very high standard before leaving for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who have since fired him.

As he was looking to implement his tactics and philosophy, Ouaddou’s side struggled to get results week in and week out, and fans were not impressed.

After suffering a couple of defeats in his first few matches, calls for the coach’s sacking began picking up steam, and it looked likely Ouaddou wouldn’t finish his first season.

Just like the man he replaced, Ouaddou was referred to as a ‘plumber’ even though he had proven himself in PSL football with Gallants.

After his team’s impressive win in the final, Ouaddou was quick to take a jab at his critics, adding that he was never worried that the situation would improve.

“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,” said Ouaddou.

"Football needs patience. 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.”

Ouaddou has not only faced a tough start to his Pirates career on the field, but off the field as well, where he has been rather unfortunate.

Ouaddou and five club staff members were unfortunately involved in a serious car accident on August 31, 2025, and they suffered some serious injuries.

The incident happened while they were assisting at the scene of another collision, but they ended up being in need of help themselves and needed to be hospitalised.

Although the coach did not miss much in terms of action, this would have likely bothered him and affected the way he approaches matches.

The Moroccan's doubters, who were very loud during his tough start, should be eating humble pie at the moment as Ouaddou seems to be getting success.

Many were calling for the ex-Gallants coach’s head after an indifferent start to life at Bucs, but they will likely be singing a different tune now.

After bagging the first trophy of the season, Ouaddou’s charges are poised to go on and win more trophies this season to make this a campaign to remember.

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Orlando Pirates 

MTN 8