Orlando Pirates have turned a new page in their storied history by appointing Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach ahead of the highly anticipated 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. The Moroccan-born tactician replaces Jose Riveiro, who stepped down at the end of the previous campaign to pursue a new challenge with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

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The official announcement from the Soweto giants has sparked excitement and curiosity in equal measure, as supporters and pundits alike speculate on what the future holds under Ouaddou’s leadership. His appointment signals a bold strategic move by the club as it seeks to build on recent successes and challenge strongly on all fronts, both domestically and continentally.

Pirates Part Ways with Riveiro After a Successful Tenure

The departure of Jose Riveiro marked the end of an impactful chapter for the Buccaneers. The Spanish coach led Pirates to several cup triumphs and a consistent presence in the top half of the league during his three-year tenure. His departure, announced shortly before the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, created a vacancy that was always going to be closely watched by fans and media.

“Riveiro made a lasting contribution to the club’s progress,” a club source noted. “He left a strong foundation, and now it’s time to build further.”

His successor, Ouaddou, has big shoes to fill—but the club believes they have found the right man for the job.

Ouaddou’s Arrival and Expectations

The 46-year-old Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to arrive in South Africa by the end of this week, just in time to lead Pirates’ squad during their pre-season training camp in Spain. The Buccaneers are set to face strong European opposition during the tour, providing an early test of the new coach’s approach and tactical ideas.

In a statement, the club said:

“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new Head Coach.”

Ouaddou’s immediate tasks will include evaluating the squad, integrating new signings, and instilling his philosophy. He will also have the opportunity to assess youth prospects and potentially promote talent from the development ranks—something he is known to support from his previous coaching stints.

A Man with Global Experience

Born in Alnif, Morocco, Ouaddou enjoyed a long and decorated career as a professional footballer. He represented the Moroccan national team 68 times, playing a key role for the Atlas Lions in various international tournaments. At club level, he featured in some of Europe’s top leagues, including France’s Ligue 1, Greece’s Super League, and the Qatar Stars League.

Following his playing days, Ouaddou transitioned into coaching and took up roles that honed both his leadership and technical skills. Most recently, he managed Marumo Gallants, earning respect for his tactical awareness and ability to work under challenging conditions.

His background brings a blend of African and European football knowledge—an ideal combination for a team like Pirates, who aim to dominate locally and compete on the continental stage.

Club’s Long-Term Vision

Ouaddou’s appointment aligns with the broader vision of Orlando Pirates’ management, who are looking to modernize the club’s footballing philosophy and improve performance consistency. His focus on youth development, disciplined structure, and game intelligence fits the Buccaneers’ strategic blueprint.

“Ouaddou brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a tactician. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with a strong leadership profile, positions him well to lead the Buccaneers into a new era,” the club said in its statement.

Eyes on Silverware

With a packed fixture list ahead—including league, cup, and potential continental assignments—Ouaddou’s challenge will be to hit the ground running. The pre-season camp in Spain provides the perfect setting to lay the groundwork for a successful campaign.

For Pirates fans, the new appointment brings renewed hope. The arrival of a coach with international pedigree signals the club’s intent to compete at the highest level. All eyes will now be on how quickly Ouaddou can make his mark and guide the Buccaneers to silverware in the season ahead.