“Player Signings Not My Choice At Pirates” – Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed that he does not decide which players the club signs, with recruitment instead handled by the club’s scouting and technical department.

Pirates have been particularly active in the transfer market, with their squad now consisting of 41 registered players. The size of the squad is something Ouaddou has previously expressed concern about, admitting that managing such a large group presents a significant challenge.

Despite the influx of new arrivals, the Moroccan coach has made it clear that he has no say over the club’s recruitment process.

“The club is 90 years old and has an organisation on a par with the biggest European clubs, with one distinctive feature: the manager does not select the players [for transfer],” Ouaddou told L’Équipe.

“The club has a highly developed scouting department with a lot of data. It has a clear playing philosophy and, consequently, identifies players and appoints a manager suited to that style of play.

“The players are the club’s choices, not the manager’s, which makes things easier. I realised that it was much easier to make the magic work.”

Pirates, who opened the defence of their league title with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC, will host Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.