Exactly a year ago, Abdeslam Ouaddou arrived at Orlando Pirates with the massive pressure of replacing Jose Riveiro. After losing his first two league games, the naysayers were out in full force.
Many local fans were already convinced that the Moroccan tactician simply wasn’t up to the task of leading a giant like Orlando Pirates. But boy, did he prove them wrong. Ouaddou quickly silenced the critics by lifting both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup in his first six months at the club.
Then, he achieved the ultimate prize, which was ending the Buccaneers’ lengthy 14-year wait by breaking Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance to bring the league trophy back to Mayfair.
However, just as the Ghost started celebrating their historic treble, the mood completely shifted. Ouaddou’s post-season admission that he was exhausted didn’t sit too well with fans.
Now, amidst a storm of transfer rumors linking him to big-money moves in North Africa, the Moroccan coach has broken his silence on the entire situation.
“Yes, I really had a good time during the off-season. I was just honest with people, I felt tired because to lead such a fantastic club with fantastic fans is demanding,” Ouaddou told premier football content creator Michael Morton.
“Everybody knows that it’s demanding. So, I don’t understand why some people don’t understand that sometimes a coach can be tired. But it’s fine, I’m back, I recharged all my batteries. I’m not 100 percent but I’m 2,000 percent.”
The Moroccan coach further committed his full allegiance to the Buccaneers, dismissing rumours linking him with a move away from the club.
Orlando Pirates will officially begin their Betway Premiership title defense on 01 August 2026 when they host newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Stadium.
The Bucs faithful will be hoping Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side continue on from where they left off at last season by completing another treble.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
