There are growing indications that newly appointed Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is pleased with how his squad is coming together, as the Soweto giants gear up for a pre-season tour to Spain and a potentially defining 2025/26 campaign.
While Pirates have yet to officially comment on the coach’s early impressions, insiders close to the situation suggest that Ouaddou is satisfied with the club’s aggressive and strategic transfer business, which now includes the headline signing of Oswin Appollis.
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The 23-year-old attacker, one of the hottest properties in the local game following two impressive seasons with Polokwane City, was heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs and overseas clubs.
But it’s the Buccaneers who won the race, with the club announcing his signing on Wednesday.
Appollis becomes the ninth confirmed addition to the squad, joining the likes of Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, and Tshepang Moremi in what appears to be a calculated squad revamp.
According to sources, the early mood at the club’s training base is one of quiet optimism.
“The coach is happy with how things are shaping up and he can’t wait to get started,” said a well-placed insider.
“It’s a big project for him and he is up to the challenge. Preparations are going well, and both he and the technical team are encouraged by how the squad is assembling. There’s a clear sense that everyone is aligned on the main objective – winning the championship.”
Although much of the squad overhaul has already taken place, it is understood that the door remains open for further reinforcements – both in terms of playing personnel and technical support staff.
With some departures still expected, the club could make additional signings before the new season officially kicks off next month.
“The squad isn’t closed just yet,” the source added. “There’s an understanding that more players may still come in depending on availability and the needs identified during pre-season,” concluded the source.
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While official word from Ouaddou is still awaited, the growing sense is that the former Moroccan international is quietly building something ambitious in Soweto, with continental success and domestic dominance firmly in the club’s sights.
Pirates are expected to head to Spain next week for a high-intensity pre-season camp that is scheduled to run from July 8 to July 20.
