Ouaddou’s continental pedigree fuels Pirates’ belief
Orlando Pirates’ season has taken on a new trajectory under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose deep well of experience and knowledge of African and European stages is now beginning to shine through in Soweto.
The Moroccan tactician’s arrival was met with early turbulence, as the Buccaneers stumbled to two consecutive league defeats. But far from being derailed, Ouaddou has steadied the ship with authority, blending resilience and tactical acumen acquired from a distinguished international career.
Born in Alnif, Morocco, Ouaddou earned 68 caps for his country. A veteran of two TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaigns with Morocco — including the memorable 2004 edition where the Atlas Lions finished runners-up — the 46-year-old understands the highly competitive nature of African competition.
The coach’s first taste of success recently came in the form of the club’s successful defense and triumph of the Top 8 title. The victory strengthened the bond between Ouaddou and the passionate Bucs faithful, who have quickly embraced his clear tactical vision.
The Buccanners on Saturday brushed aside Lesotho’s Lioli in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League with a comfortable 7-0 aggregate to advance to the next round of the competition - a result that sent out a clear signal of intent across the continent for last season’s strong contenders who bowed out in the semi-finals to eventual winners, Pyramids FC.
Asked how he has managed to transform the team so swiftly, Ouaddou pointed to values that go beyond tactics.
“I just trust the work that I am doing, the values that I'm putting in my work, the love that I'm putting in my job, the love that I'm putting on my players. And what is important as well is the trust — the trust of my club, you know, because without trust of your management, about the board, it's difficult. So, I thank them for that, for the trust.”
With a continental campaign ahead and renewed confidence at home, Orlando Pirates appear well-positioned to harness Ouaddou’s seasoned leadership.
His calm authority and proven understanding of African football dynamics may prove the decisive edge as the Buccaneers aim to re-establish themselves among the elite of the continent.