+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Abdeslam Ouaddou, Marumo GallantsBackpage
Michael Madyira

Orlando Pirates explain why Abdeslam Ouaddou was appointed as new head coach ahead of Pitso Mosimane and Rhulani Mokwena - 'The attitude and the professionalism'

The Buccaneers now have a new man in charge following weeks of speculation about the man who would replace Jose Riveiro.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Pirates appointed Ouaddou as coach
  • This was after Mosimane & Mokwena were being linked with the Bucs
  • Club explains why they settled for the Moroccan
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Marumo GallantsBackpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Orlando Pirates appointed Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach, replacing Jose Roveiro.

    The Moroccan joins the Buccaneers, who had been strongly linked with Pitso Mosimane and Rhulani Mokwena.

    Pirates media officer Thandie Merafe comments on how they settled for the former Marumo Gallants coach.

    • Advertisement
  • Josef Zinnbauer, coach of Orlando Pirates and Thandi Merafe.BackpagePix.

    WHAT MERAFE SAID

    “Our management has been working tirelessly to prepare the team for the upcoming season, making sure they get the right people in the right space,” Merafe said on Game On, a radio show, as per FARPost. 

    “We’ve seen how in the past they’ve always managed to get it right, and getting the hidden diamond. I use that term because more often than not, we bring in people that the general public doesn’t know about. 

    “Orlando Pirates have a very keen eye and an amazing ability to unearth talent and people that are perfect for the brand. So I’m happy with the announcement of the new coach," added the Pirates spokesperson. 

    “I think the one match where we played against him [at Gallants], you can see the behaviour of the coach when he’s under pressure, the attitude, and the professionalism. 

    "He came out as someone who is professional and a gentleman of the game, and I’m sure everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him.”

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Marumo GallantsBackpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Mosimane and Mokwana remain unattached as Ouaddou starts his job at Pirates.

    The Moroccan is expected to match or surpass his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won five Cup finals.

    That is a yardstick which will be used to judge Ouaddou, who will be taking charge of a club keen to win the Premier Soccer League title for the first time since 2012 and the Caf Champions League, which they last claimed in 1995.

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Marumo GallantsBackpage

    WHAT NEXT FOR OUADDOU?

    The Moroccan will begin his Pirates job at the end of June before the team goes for a pre-season camp in Spain.

    Before taking the Buccaneers for his first training session, he will be finalising his squad for the upcoming season.