Ouaddou a Bucs' gamble when continuity preferred

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.

- SMISO MSOMI

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.