Ouaddou Pledges To Build On Riveiro’s Legacy
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says it would be foolish to change the foundation built by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, over the past three seasons.
Riveiro, who left the club late last season to join Al Ahly, was replaced by Ouaddou in a surprise appointment after he left Marumo Gallants.
Under Riveiro’s leadership, Pirates enjoyed significant success, winning five trophies: three MTN8 cups and two Nedbank Cups. They also finished as runners-up three times and reached the CAF Champions League semi-final last season for the first time since 2013, where they were eliminated by Pyramids.
Ouaddou takes over a team that has been active in the transfer market, adding several new players. The excitement was palpable last weekend when fans filled Orlando Stadium to watch Pirates beat Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final to reach the semi-final.
The focus will now be on Ouaddou as Pirates begin their Betway Premiership campaign against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (17:30).
The pressure will be on him to start strong at a club that has not won a league title since 2012.
“As a new coach, it is very important to keep the legacy,” Ouaddou said.
“When you arrive at a club such as Orlando Pirates that has been working well, that has built a legacy for three years, it would be stupid for me to come and try to change everything. Let’s keep the good things and try and bring my own touch. So, we are expecting an exciting season, we want to please our fans.”
He added, “When I saw the fans in the opening game (last week’s MTN8 quarter-final), it was just fantastic. So, we don’t want to disappoint them. We are ready, we did a good pre-season camp (in Spain), the club made some new signings, the scouting department did a tremendous job and I’m a happy coach because I have a choice.
“We cannot hide. We are going to play our role this season. It will not be easy, because every year the PSL is getting more and more difficult, with lots of contenders in the league. Of course, we are ready, and we are ready to play our role.”
