Following his appointment earlier this week, Orlando Pirates’ new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has officially landed in South Africa to begin his tenure with the Soweto giants, the Siya crew has learnt.
The Moroccan tactician, who was unveiled on Monday as the successor to Jose Riveiro, arrived from France ahead of the Buccaneers’ pre-season preparations, which are set to kick off in earnest next week.
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Ouaddou will now begin the process of integrating into the club environment alongside his technical team, which includes Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.
Pirates confirmed on Thursday morning that the next two days will focus on player assessments and internal integration, before full training begins under Ouaddou and his staff next week.
“The coach has landed and is looking forward to starting in his new role. It’s an exciting new chapter for him,” said the source.
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Ouaddou’s arrival comes at a crucial time as the Buccaneers gear up for a demanding 2025/26 campaign, which includes domestic challenges and their return to the CAF Champions League.
As part of their preparation, Pirates will head to Marbella, Spain, from July 8 to 20 for an international training camp, where they are set to face Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas and Granada (Spain) in high-profile friendlies.
