Orlando Pirates have officially announced their new head coach, ushering in a new era for the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Buccaneers have named Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach, replacing Jose Riveiro who parted ways with the side just before the end of the season.
Read: What's Happening As Pirates Technical Team Leader Linked With Al Ahly?
The highly anticipated announcement comes days before the Buccaneers depart for their pre-season training camp in Spain, where the new coach is expected to take charge for the first time.
Meanwhile, Pirates have confirmed that Ouaddou will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons.
“Coach Ouaddou, who is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of the week, will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi and Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons,” confirmed Pirates on the club’s official website.
“Pre-season preparations will officially kick off on June 27. As part of preparations for the upcoming campaign, Orlando Pirates will embark on their third consecutive international pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain. The training camp – set to run from July 8 to July 20, will see the team engage in high-level friendly matches against European opponents including Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain),” the club stated.
Ouaddou finished the season coaching Marumo Gallants. He parted ways with the club at the end of May despite the Free State-based outfit's interest in tying him on a long-term deal.
Read: Pirates Announce Opponents For Spain Tour
The former Moroccan international joined Gallants in January when the team was sitting in 15th place on the log, and has been credited with steering the side to safety and completing his short-term mission of avoiding relegation.
He also guided the team to the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup where they lost to Pirates in Orlando in April.
Photo by Orlando Pirates on X.
