Newly appointed Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spoken publicly for the first time since taking over at the Soweto giants, offering an honest and humble assessment of his new challenge, and addressing early questions around his credentials.
In his debut appearance on PiratesTV, the Moroccan tactician expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity and paid tribute to both the club’s leadership and his predecessor.
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“First of all, I’d like to thank the board (and) to thank the fans for their warm welcome – my staff, as well,” he began. “I’m very honoured to be part of this institution. Of course, it’s a football club, but for me it’s an institution. We will talk about that after, when I see the fantastic organisation of the club, we can say that it’s really an institution,” he said.
Despite a wave of questions circulating on social media about his suitability for the job, Ouaddou remained philosophical and clear about his beliefs.
The 46-year-old former international insists he is driven by competence, not labels or reputations.
“I don’t watch too much or read too much the social networks – and maybe I should because it’s part of the new era or new society,” he said. “People may feel that ‘This coach, what did he win? He’s not experienced. How can he coach such a big club?’”
Rather than shy away from those concerns, the former AS Vita Club manager tackled the debate head-on with a thought-provoking perspective.
“Even (myself), personally, I believe more in competence versus experience. You can have somebody who was coaching for 20 years but didn’t win nothing, but you can have on the other hand a young coach with competence – but he’s starving, he wants to win, he wants to impart the things,” he explained.
He then drew a relatable comparison to the playing squad, noting how young talent can often surpass veterans in quality and impact.
“You can have a player in your team who for 15 years didn’t win nothing, but you have a small kid with 16, 17, or 18 years, and he has fantastic qualities to make you win the league. So, what are you doing, do you choose the experienced one?”
While he admitted to being “a bit confused about experience versus competence,” Ouaddou made it clear that his focus is on results and responsibility.
The new coach also took a moment to acknowledge the foundation left by Jose Riveiro, who departed the club after leading Pirates to multiple trophies.
“What I can say is that it’s a big challenge. I think the club is well organised and we have arrived at the end (of a cycle), and of course they need to go forward because they did a fantastic job during the previous years,” he said.
“We have to congratulate the previous coach, Riveiro, as well – fantastic personality and a fantastic man, and he did a great job. Thanks to the board as well that supported him. We can see they have a strong vision, and they leave people working.”
For Ouaddou, the journey is now about building on the past and delivering silverware to one of the continent’s most demanding fanbases.
“Now we arrived at maybe the end of the project of five years and people of course need victories and trophies. I’m very passionate about that and ready for that.”
On the pressure that comes with coaching a club of Pirates’ stature, the former AS Nancy and Fulham defender welcomed the weight of expectation.
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“If you speak about pressure, of course, there is pressure everywhere. But it’s good pressure – it’s fantastic pressure to be here and to have a fantastic fanbase with good players and to try and make them happy,” said the coach.
Ouaddou’s calm, articulate and philosophical first words may have surprised some, but his message was clear: he’s here to work, to win, and to honour the badge.
