Orlando Pirates Stun Fans with Appointment of Former Marumo Gallants Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
In a move that has taken many by surprise, Orlando Pirates have officially ended speculation surrounding the future of their head coaching role by unveiling Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new tactician. The 46-year-old Moroccan, who previously coached Marumo Gallants, steps into the role vacated by Jose Riveiro — a man who brought considerable silverware to the Soweto giants during his tenure.
Abdeslam Ouaddou arrives with an impressive coaching pedigree, holding a UEFA Pro Licence and a background rooted in elite-level football both as a player and manager. His most recent stint in the South African Premiership saw him lead Marumo Gallants through a competitive stretch, demonstrating tactical discipline and resilience. In just 12 matches with Gallants, Ouaddou guided the team to five victories and four draws, suffering only three defeats — a promising record considering the club’s broader challenges. One of his standout performances came at the expense of Pirates themselves, when his side secured a 2-0 win in March at the Free State Stadium, thanks to a Gabadinho Mhango goal and an own goal by Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha.
Ouaddou inherits a formidable legacy at Orlando Pirates. Jose Riveiro, the outgoing Spanish coach, won five major trophies during his three-year reign and revived the Buccaneers’ competitive stature both domestically and on the continent. Filling his shoes will require not only results but also the ability to manage a dressing room with high expectations and passionate supporters.
The appointment signals a bold new direction for Pirates, with the club looking to inject fresh energy and a new tactical vision ahead of the upcoming season. Ouaddou is expected to link up with the squad in Houghton as they prepare to depart for their pre-season tour in Spain. The tour will be crucial for the new coach to assess his players, fine-tune his approach, and lay the foundations for what the club hopes will be a successful campaign.
The new manager’s first competitive fixture could come against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals. The fixture promises to be an early test of Ouaddou’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver results under pressure — something Pirates fans will be eagerly watching.
With an exciting mix of European expertise and PSL experience, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s appointment has the potential to usher in a fresh chapter for Orlando Pirates. While expectations are high, the Moroccan tactician’s track record suggests he is more than capable of meeting the moment. Fans will now turn their attention to the pre-season fixtures in Spain, hopeful that this new leadership will translate into silverware and continued success for the Buccaneers.
