Orlando Pirates have officially unveiled Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The 46-year-old Moroccan tactician succeeds José Riveiro, who departed after three successful years to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Ouaddou, who previously coached Marumo Gallants in South Africa’s top flight, brings extensive experience as both a player and manager. The former Moroccan international (68 caps) enjoyed a distinguished playing career across Europe’s elite leagues before transitioning into coaching.
“Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Coach Ouaddou as we enter an exciting new chapter,” read a club statement. “His tactical acumen and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to build on our recent successes.”
The Buccaneers highlighted Ouaddou’s “modern football philosophy” and experience in African football as key factors in his appointment. He is expected to arrive in South Africa this week to begin preseason preparations.
This marks Pirates’ first foreign coaching appointment since Riveiro’s 2022 arrival. Fans will be eager to see if Ouaddou can maintain the club’s upward trajectory after their recent cup successes under the Spanish coach.
Ouaddou inherits a squad that finished third in last season’s DStv Premiership and will face immediate pressure to deliver silverware for the demanding Ghost supporters. His first official match in charge could come in next month’s MTN8 competition.