Ouaddou Praises Scouting Department On New Signings

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised the club’s scouting department for the signing of 13 new players during the off-season.

Despite already having a strong team, the Buccaneers were active in the transfer market, bringing in high-profile players like Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Oswin Appollis.

Appollis, in particular, made an immediate impact, contributing to both goals in the team’s MTN8 quarter-final victory against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The match was a sell-out, with fans eager to see the new players in action.

Ouaddou on the New Signings

During the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season launch on Tuesday, Ouaddou credited the club’s scouting for its success in the transfer window.

“I think the scouting department of my club did very well because Pirates has an identity, has a big story, it’s a big club,” said Ouaddou.

“They know exactly the type, the model of player that they want, and I have the chance to be selected to lead these players.”

The coach admitted that integrating so many new players presents a significant challenge, despite the team having a pre-season camp in Spain where they played four matches.

“It’s a big challenge because they need to quickly adapt to my ideas, to my game model,” he said. “So, let’s see what the future would tell us, but of course, we are very ambitious and want to play our role this season.”

Pirates to Host Sekhukhune United

Pirates will begin their 2025/26 season on Saturday, hosting Eric Tinkler’s Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium. Tinkler, a former Pirates coach, is no stranger to the Soweto giants and is confident in his team’s ability to compete.

Tinkler was impressed by the fan turnout for the MTN8 match and hopes for a similar atmosphere for their opening league game. “I must say, the weekend game, the stadium was packed, it was great to see,” he said. “I’m hoping we will see that, obviously, come Saturday again. The stadium is packed. We don’t care that it’s Pirates fans; we are still motivated to go there and get our results against them.”