Back in 2021, Rulani Mokwena reflected on his brief spell as Orlando Pirates head coach with a level of honesty rarely seen in football, writes Delmain Faver.
“My biggest mistake after taking over from Coach Micho (Milutin Sredojevic) was pressing the reset button too soon,” Mokwena admitted.
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That eagerness to impose his own identity, before fully understanding the squad’s strengths and culture, led to a short-lived tenure. By his own admission, the then 34-year-old fell on his sword despite bringing fresh, innovative ideas.
Fast forward to the 2025/26 season, and three matches into his reign, Abdeslam Ouaddou appears to be walking a similar path. His start has been mixed: one win and two defeats, results that have already raised eyebrows among fans used to the stability and silverware delivered by Jose Riveiro.
When Riveiro first arrived, he kept faith with the core squad inherited from the Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi era. Instead of an immediate overhaul, he phased in changes, retaining continuity and building trust.
This steady approach brought a winning start, and with it, the breathing space to mould the team in his image.
Ouaddou, on the other hand, inherited a squad already brimming with talent and was further boosted by 13 new signings. Yet rather than blend the newcomers into the established core, he has made sweeping alterations.
Key figures like Tshegofatso Mabasa, the club’s top scorer for the past two seasons, and Evidence Makgopa, their most in-form striker, have been sidelined. Deano Van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, and even fan favourite Relebohile Mofokeng have seen reduced roles.
In their place, Ouaddou has reintroduced Boitumelo Radiopane, promising in the DDC but unproven at senior level, and started fresh arrivals Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, and Abdoulaye Mariko.
At right-back, he’s opted for rookie Tshepo Mashiloane, signed from second-tier Baroka FC. The result? Back-to-back league defeats, to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, with an MTN8 semi-final against an in-form Mamelodi Sundowns looming.
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While bold decisions are often the mark of a confident coach, football history, and Mokwena’s own admission, suggest that too much, too soon can be a costly gamble. Ouaddou has the players, the resources, and the platform to succeed. The question is whether he will adjust his approach in time to avoid repeating a painful chapter in Pirates’ recent history.
