Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates: From Critics to Contenders

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has transformed early-season criticism into motivation, steering the Buccaneers toward one of their strongest runs in recent seasons. The Moroccan-French coach, who faced skepticism before taking charge, has reshaped the team’s structure and spirit, proving that belief and balance can drive results.

When Ouaddou arrived, doubts surrounded his appointment. Many questioned whether an African coach could succeed at a club of Pirates’ stature. The criticism intensified when he managed just one win, two losses, and one draw in his first four matches. But rather than respond with words, Ouaddou chose to let results speak for him.

Ten games later, his record tells the story. Pirates have lifted the MTN8 title, advanced to the second round of both the CAF Champions League and the Carling Cup, and moved within sight of the DStv Premiership summit. The shift has restored confidence in the squad and silenced much of the early doubt.

Ouaddou’s calm and disciplined approach has become central to this turnaround. “People are very fast to judge,” he said. “But in football, results are what matter. It’s important not to doubt your competence or what you can bring to the continent. I’m a very proud African, a proud ex-player, and proud to work here. I bring my knowledge and experience for the players and the club.”

His pride extends to how Pirates are run. “It is one of the best clubs in Africa. Even in Europe, you don’t see many clubs managed like this. The club gives me everything I need to work well,” he explained.

Ouaddou’s tactical approach has also shifted the team’s attacking identity. Last season, Pirates relied heavily on Tshegofatso Mabasa, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Evidence Makgopa for goals. Mabasa scored 15, Mofokeng 12, and Makgopa 10, accounting for most of the team’s total.

This season, the story is different. Ouaddou’s system spreads the responsibility across the pitch. He did not immediately start Mabasa or Makgopa in the early matches, focusing instead on team structure and collective movement. The result has been a more unpredictable Pirates side, where goals can come from anywhere.

The change was clear in the Carling Knockout last 16 match against Siwelele. After Makgopa missed a penalty, Mbekezeli Mbokazi produced a thunderbolt from distance to seal a 1-0 win. The goal reflected Ouaddou’s philosophy that any player, in any position, can make the difference.

“It’s a goal that delivered the team, gave all the players happiness,” he said. “You can see now the danger can come from anywhere in our team. It’s not only the strikers. The weapon can come from everywhere.”

The numbers support this balance. Tshepang Moremi leads the scoring chart with five goals from 12 matches, followed by Mabasa with four from nine. New signings Appollis and Sebelebele have each scored three goals. For Ouaddou, this distribution is proof that his system works.

Despite the strong form, the coach remains grounded. “You have to stay humble,” he said. “Football moves fast. You can have a good moment today and a bad one tomorrow. Even then, you must never doubt your competence. This is our daily work, and I’ll keep doing it until I’m 70.”

Next, Pirates will travel to Congo to face Saint-Éloi Lupopo FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second qualifying round. The match will test the resilience and depth of Ouaddou’s side as they look to extend their winning momentum.

From early criticism to continental contention, Ouaddou’s Pirates have become a team built on balance, unity, and belief. Under his guidance, the message is clear: goals can come from anywhere, and so can success.