Ouaddou a gamble when continuity should have been preferred at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have once again taken a bold and unconventional route in appointing Moroccan-born Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach — a move that has sparked more questions than answers for The Ghost.

While Ouaddou boasts an impressive playing résumé — having turned out for clubs in the English Premier League and represented Morocco at international level — his coaching credentials are far less convincing. He arrives at the Bucs with minimal South African top-flight experience and a modest coaching stint at relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants last season.

Yet, this is not unfamiliar territory for the Buccaneers’ hierarchy.

In 2022, the appointment of José Riveiro raised similar eyebrows. At the time, critics dismissed the Spaniard as a “plumber,” and rival fans ridiculed his unknown status. 

Riveiro would, however, would go on to defy the odds, guiding Pirates to five trophies in just three seasons and re-establishing the Soweto giants as one of the most dangerous outfits in the country, before departing for Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

That precedent may have informed the club’s thinking — but this latest move feels like a far riskier proposition.

Unlike Riveiro, who came from structured European football environments, Ouaddou’s only experience on South African soil was with a Gallants side he helped survive relegation. 

That, in itself, was commendable. But Pirates are not Gallants. This is a club with far greater ambition — a team that has spent the last three years building toward dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns, who recently claimed their eighth successive league title.

Pirates also reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League last season — their first in a decade — and once again finished second in the Betway Premiership. 

There was a clear upward trajectory under Riveiro. The expectation was that the next appointment would build on that momentum, not reset it.

Surely, the club might have been better off securing a coach with domestic title-winning experience, deep knowledge of African club football, and ideally, someone familiar with the high expectations of Pirates’ culture.

Still, the club remains adamant that Ouaddou fits the long-term vision. Speaking on Radio 2000 this past week, the club's media officer Thandi Merafe offered insight into the decision.

“Pirates have a very keen eye and an amazing ability to unearth talent and people that are perfect for the brand,” she said. “I think the one match where we played against him (at Gallants), you can see the behaviour of the coach when he’s under pressure — the attitude and the professionalism. 

“He came out as someone who is professional and a gentleman of the game, and I’m sure everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him.”

The words offer reassurance, but in practice, Pirates now step into the unknown during a period where certainty and continuity were crucial.

Ouaddou will be expected to implement his philosophy while navigating the pressure of delivering results immediately — in the league, domestic cups, and on the continent. Whether this gamble pays off or derails the progress built over three seasons remains to be seen.

In chasing another “hidden diamond,” the Buccaneers may either discover another gem — or be left searching in the dust.