Orlando Pirates appoint Moroccan Ouaddou as Head Coach

Orlando Pirates Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new Head Coach, marking a significant new chapter for the Buccaneers ahead of the upcoming season. The 46-year-old Moroccan international replaces Jose Riveiro, who has stepped down after a successful three-year tenure to join Al Ahly.

Born in Alnif, Morocco, Ouaddou brings a rich footballing pedigree to the Soweto giants, honed both on the pitch and in the dugout. A formidable defender in his playing days, Ouaddou earned 68 caps for the Moroccan national team, “The Atlas Lions,” showcasing his talent and leadership on the international stage.

His distinguished playing career saw him feature in several top European leagues, including stints with French clubs AS Nancy, Stade Rennais, and Valenciennes, as well as English Premier League side Fulham, and Greek giants Olympiacos. He also had a brief spell with Qatar SC before officially retiring from professional football in 2013 with his first professional club, AS Nancy.

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Beyond his impressive playing career, Ouaddou has been steadily building his coaching credentials. He began his coaching journey within the youth ranks of AS Nancy, where he also served as an assistant coach for their B team.

His managerial experience also includes head coach roles at Mouloudia Oujda in Morocco, Loto FC in Benin, and AS Vita Club in DR Congo. Most recently, he was at the helm of South African club Marumo Gallants, where he managed to attract European interest after his departure.

Ouaddou also served as an assistant manager for the Algerian national team. This diverse experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the game and a strong leadership profile, making him a compelling choice to lead the Buccaneers into a new era.

“Coach Ouaddou is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of the week. He will be supported by a strong technical team comprising Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons,” reads the statement from Pirates.

Pre-season preparations are set to officially commence on June 27. As part of their rigorous build-up for the upcoming campaign, Orlando Pirates will embark on their third consecutive international pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain.

The training camp, scheduled from July 8 to July 20, will feature high-level friendly matches against a formidable list of European opponents, including Bolton Wanderers (England) on July 11, Pafos FC (Cyprus) on July 13, Las Palmas (Spain) on July 17, and Granada (Spain) on July 19. This challenging schedule is designed to fine-tune the squad and integrate Ouaddou’s philosophy as they aim for continued success in the new season.