Hope reignites for Pirates as Ouaddou leads the charge

JOSE Riveiro was steadfast in guiding the upward trajectory of Orlando Pirates over the last three seasons, daring to dream while laying a solid foundation.His efforts bore fruit, integrating youngsters into the team - the club's long-term investments and securing five trophies during his tenure.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

It was a near-perfect run that gave the Ghost, the club's loyal supporters, hope that one day they would return to the pinnacle of South African football.

Enter Riveiro's replacement, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who seems to have heard the Ghost's cry for the most coveted silverware in the land: the Betway Premiership.

And guess what?

He has wasted no time in promising the Ghost that not in the distant future but this season - they will fight tooth and nail to end the club's 14-year title drought.

The 46-year-old isn't bluffing - he's putting his money where his mouth is.

He is already addressing the challenges the team must overcome.

The arrival of 11 new signings, including talisman Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, and Sihle Nduli, excites Ouaddou, as it broadens the squad depth at his disposal.