Ouaddou Dedicates Coach Of The Month Award To The Entire Pirates Team

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says he does not believe in individual accolades, insisting that the Coach of the Month award belongs to everyone at the club for their collective effort.

Ouaddou was named the PSL Coach of the Month for September/October on Wednesday after leading the Buccaneers to three consecutive league victories without conceding a goal.

The Moroccan-born coach, who took charge of Pirates during the off-season, spoke shortly after his side defeated Golden Arrows 3-1 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday.

The victory lifted Pirates to second place on the Betway Premiership table with 22 points after 10 matches, just three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates, however, still have two games in hand, and victories in those fixtures could see them move to the top of the standings.

“Like I said, I don’t like individual awards,” said Ouaddou.

“For me, being named Coach of the Month is thanks to the players — they deserve the credit. I must also thank my staff, the South African technical team working with me, and the management for their support.

“Instead of saying ‘Ouaddou is the Coach of the Month,’ I prefer to say Orlando Pirates are the Club of the Month. This award belongs to everyone involved.”

The Buccaneers have remained in Durban as they prepare to face Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Ouaddou is expected to address the media ahead of that crucial clash on Thursday at the same venue.