Orlando Pirates unveils Abdeslam Ouaddou as new head coach

Orlando Pirates Football Club has announced the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach, welcoming the former Moroccan international as they prepare for the upcoming season. Ouaddou takes over from Jose Riveiro, who stepped down after a successful three-year stint with the club to join Al Ahly.

The 46-year-old, born in Alnif, Morocco, is set to lead the Buccaneers into an exciting new era. With a remarkable 68 caps for the Moroccan national team, Ouaddou enjoyed a distinguished playing career in top European leagues, equipping him with invaluable insights and experiences that he now brings to his role as tactician.

“We are excited to have Coach Ouaddou at the helm,” said the club’s management in a statement. “His deep understanding of the game and strong leadership profile fits perfectly with the ambitions of the Orlando Pirates moving forward.”

Ouaddou will arrive in South Africa later this week and will be supported by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons in the technical team. The club’s pre-season preparations are set to commence on June 27, marking a fresh start as they aim to reclaim their place among the elite in South African football.

The Buccaneers will also embark on their third consecutive international pre-season tour, headed to Marbella, Spain. Running from July 8 to July 20, the team will engage in high-profile friendly matches against European opponents, including Bolton Wanderers from England, Pafos FC from Cyprus, Las Palmas and Granada from Spain. These matches are vital as they provide an opportunity for Ouaddou to implement his vision and strategies ahead of the competitive season.

With the excitement building around the new appointment and upcoming campaign, fans are hopeful that Ouaddou will lead the club to a successful season filled with trophies and spectacular performances.