Ouaddou Ponders Why Pirates Chose Him Over Top Coaches
New Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou admits he’s been asking himself many questions, particularly why he was chosen over highly respected coaches like Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane.
Ouaddou, who had a brief but impactful stay with Marumo Gallants last season, guiding them to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals and a 10th-place league finish, believes his personal “aura” might have swayed the Pirates board.
He was appointed last month, succeeding the “trophy-laden” Jose Riveiro, who departed after three seasons with five trophies.
“Sometimes I’m wondering why the board has chosen Ouaddou to coach Orlando Pirates versus other top coaches, but I appreciate it a lot,” he said. “Like Rulani Mokwena, I like him. He should have stayed in Wydad because he did a great job. Pitso Mosimane, fantastic coach, one of the best coaches in Africa.”
“But why me? I don’t know if it was these people in front of me [who were doing the interviews]. Sometimes I’m wondering why the board has chosen Ouaddou. [Probably] the process they use to profile people. Maybe they know something, maybe the spirit of how they built the club, how I approach football, the passion that I have… I don’t know, maybe it’s matching with the spirit that I had playing football at a higher level after my retirement.”
Ouaddou’s Credentials and Readiness for the Challenge
Ouaddou, who was part of the Morocco side that reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2004, brings significant credentials to the role. He notably won the league title with AS Vita Club in Congo during the 2023/24 season.
“Straight away after my retirement, I went to school to do my badges for seven to eight years. It is not easy, and people don’t know this path,” he explained.
The 46-year-old, who holds the UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in world football, says he is ready for the intense challenge ahead.
“But what I can tell you is I’m ready for the challenge,” he affirmed. “I’m ready for pressure, and more importantly, I’m ready to improve my players; I’m ready to go and fight with my players.”
