Abdeslam Ouaddou, the newly appointed coach of Orlando Pirates, has clearly outlined his vision for the club, emphasizing continuity and growth rather than radical change.
In a recent statement, Ouaddou confirmed that he has not brought his own technical team with him to the Buccaneers, a deliberate decision reflecting his intention to “build on this foundation” laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro.
Ouaddou steps into big shoes, replacing Jose Riveiro, who enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Orlando Pirates.
Under Riveiro’s leadership, the club secured an impressive five titles and consistently finished in second place in the Betway Premiership for three consecutive seasons.
Riveiro’s consistent performance established a strong base at the club, something Ouaddou clearly respects and aims to leverage.
Read: A Look at Orlando Pirates’ Predicted Starting XI
The former AS Vita and Marumo Gallants boss arrives at Orlando Pirates after a relatively short but impactful stint at Gallants. His work there evidently impressed the Pirates’ management enough to entrust him with the vital task of guiding the club.
Ouaddou’s primary objective is clear: to finally overtake dominant Mamelodi Sundowns and ultimately be crowned Betway Premiership champions, a title that has eluded the Buccaneers in recent years.
Pirates are currently on 12-day pre-season tour of Spain where they will play Bolton Wanderers on July 11, Cypriot champions Pafos FC on July 13, La Liga team Las Palmas on July 17 and Granada, also of La Liga, on July 19.
Speaking ahead of departure, Ouaddou told the club’s website: “Usually when a coach comes into a club, he wants to destroy everything.
“We just have to be clever and to analyse what was good and maybe to come and to bring some something, and to build on this foundation that have been well done by the previous coach and the previous coaches as well. I think it’s very important to build on that.
“And the same way, a lot of people may ask again why he came alone? Of course I have staff. I’m working with the staff maybe five, six persons but I came to Marumo alone.
I came alone here, and I will explain to you why. Because I believe deeply in Africans’ competencies and in South Africa, we have competencies, big universities, sport universities, people who have badges here.
“So, if I bring somebody and I can bring because I have people who are working with me. If I bring them, which sign will I give as an African, which signal would I give, I give to the people to say, hey we are not competent.”
“So, I’m happy to work with the people who are already in the club, and I think they have a legacy and maybe we can go quicker to help the club,” he concluded.
Mandala Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Tyron Damons and Helmy Gueldich make up Ouaddou’s technical team for the upcoming season.
Ouaddou’s approach signals a strategic decision to integrate himself within the existing structure, aiming for a seamless transition and sustained success.
It will be interesting to see how his philosophy complements the established foundation at Orlando Pirates as they embark on this ambitious journey to challenge for the league title.