Fans in shock as Orlando Pirates appoint Abdeslam Ouaddou as new coach
SHOCK APPOINTMENT FILE. Orlando Pirates have appointed Moroccan Abdeslam Ouaddou as its new head coach, succeeding José Riveiro, with pre-season preparations set for Marbella, Spain. Picture: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP
Image: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP
Orlando Pirates on Monday confirmed the shock appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new head coach of the club.
Speculation had been rife as to who would take over the coaching role after José Riveiro did not renew his contract at the end of last season. Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena had been widely tipped for the position.
Having played from 1999 to 2013 as a centre-back, the Moroccan took up his first coaching role in January last year when he was appointed AS Vita head coach.
Orlando Pirates Appoint Abdeslam Ouaddou as New Head Coach
Here is the full statement from Orlando Pirates on Ouaddou’s appointment:
Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new Head Coach.
Ouaddou takes over the reins ahead of the new season, replacing José Riveiro at the helm following his decision to step down to join Al Ahly, after a successful three-year tenure.
Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a tactician. A former Moroccan international, Ouaddou earned 68 caps for the Atlas Lions and enjoyed a distinguished playing career across several top European leagues. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with a strong leadership profile, positions him well to lead the Buccaneers into a new era.
Coach Ouaddou, who is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of the week, will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi and Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons.
Pre-season preparations will officially kick off on 27 June.
As part of preparations for the upcoming campaign, Orlando Pirates will embark on their third consecutive international pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain. The training camp – set to run from July 8 to July 20 – will see the team engage in high-level friendly matches against European opponents including Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain).