Ouaddou backs African coaching talent

ABDESLAM Ouaddou is an African through and through — and he firmly believes that African-born coaches have the competencies to lead the continent’s biggest football teams.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Ouaddou is the new head coach of Orlando Pirates, the South African giants who famously won the country’s first CAF Champions League title in 1995. As such, expectations are high for him to awaken a sleeping giant, and to deliver domestic and continental success for the first time in 13 and 31 years respectively.

The 46-year-old Moroccan, who earned 68 caps for his national team during his playing career, says he is ready for the challenge.

Although he was largely unknown in local coaching circles before a recent stint at Marumo Gallants, many assumed he would bring his own trusted lieutenants to Pirates. Instead, he has embraced the technical team provided by the club — Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons. Speaking to Pirates TV, Ouaddou explained his decision.