“We Must Win It”: Fresh From Treble Glory, Ouaddou Demands Continental Domination
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged the newly crowned Betway Premiership champions to conquer Africa, asserting that the club’s elite infrastructure demands a total focus on winning the CAF Champions League.
Pirates made history on Saturday by defeating Orbit College to secure the Betway Premiership title, completing a remarkable domestic treble after also winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout earlier this season. It marked the club’s first league title and treble since the memorable 2011/12 campaign.
Ouaddou, who joined Pirates ahead of the season following his departure from Marumo Gallants, has quickly established himself among the club’s successful coaches after delivering immediate success in his debut campaign.
While Pirates have consistently collected domestic silverware since the 2022/23 season, success in the CAF Champions League has remained elusive. Last season, the Buccaneers reached the semi-finals before falling short, while this season ended in disappointment after their elimination in the preliminary round.
Pirates’ only CAF Champions League triumph came in 1995, and Ouaddou now believes the club must set its sights on reclaiming continental glory.
“From my side personally, I will not go too far into that discussion, but what I can say is that Pirates are on the right path,” he said.
“The club is in very good hands, with professional people who understand football and know how to manage and lead a football club properly.
“I think my arrival at Pirates is part of a bigger process. The Pirates project did not start last year — it started several years ago. They know exactly what they want, who they want to work with, and where they want to go.
“So I cannot say too much more about it, but of course, the standard of Orlando Pirates should be the Champions League.
“We must win the Champions League. The quality of the facilities, the organisation, and the vision at this club should take Pirates to the highest level in African football.”
The Moroccan tactician also credited his spell with Marumo Gallants for helping him adapt quickly to South African football and eventually succeed with Pirates.
“The time I spent in Bloemfontein with Marumo Gallants was very important for me in understanding and mastering the PSL,” he added.
“It is not easy to come into this league because the PSL is extremely competitive, and you could see that again this season.
“I think around six or seven coaches lost their jobs this season. So, to arrive at Gallants with only 12 points, without a staff, without the possibility of signing players, and still manage to save the club while competing for a top-eight finish until the final game, deserves credit.
“I must give credit to my technical staff there and to the players of Marumo Gallants because that experience helped me understand the PSL better.
“And now I feel very honoured because it is a privilege for any coach to lead Orlando Pirates. What has happened this season has been fantastic because I am surrounded by incredible people.
“You have someone like Thandi Merafe beside you — a fantastic woman — as well as management who understand football and know exactly where they want to take this club.
“I am not surprised by what we achieved because it is the result of unity and collective work. There are many people inside this club working behind the scenes who never receive recognition.
“People focus on the players, but Orlando Pirates have a lot of resources and many dedicated individuals contributing to the success of this club.”
