Bucs go for something truly innovative and new in Ouaddou

ORLANDO Pirates yesterday announced the appointment of Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach, officially bringing the search for José Riveiro's successor to a close ahead of the 2025/26 season.

- SMISO MSOMI

Ouaddou arrives at Mayfair after guiding Marumo Gallants to safety in the Betway Premiership last season. He took over in the second round of the campaign and helped the Limpopo outfit steer clear of relegation, but parted ways with the club following a contractual dispute with management.

The 45-year-old edged out several strong candidates during the Pirates’ search process, including former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena and ex-AmaZulu FC mentor Pablo Franco Martin.

While Mokwena's return to Orlando Stadium - where he previously served as assistant and co-coach - seemed all but certain at one stage, insiders suggest his insistence on bringing his own assistant coach proved to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Franco Martin, who coached AmaZulu during the 2023/24 campaign as well as the first three games of last season, and also had a spell with Tanzanian giants Simba SC, was also in the running but was ultimately overlooked.