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Ouaddou showing a slow but steady hand as he guides Pirates’ ship through
The Mercury
|October 02, 2025
ORLANDO Pirates’ faith in Abdeslam Ouaddou is starting to bloom.
After a rocky start, the team’s rhythm has returned, quietly vindicating the trust placed in him ahead of this campaign.
Following their 2-0 win against TS Galaxy, the Bucaneers have now moved to 15 points after seven matches, having secured five consecutive wins in their last five league outings.
Ouaddou’s arrival was met with intense scrutiny before he even had a chance to breathe. Opening the league with defeats to Sekhukhune United (1-0) and Marumo Gallants (2-1), he immediately felt the weight of expectation pressing down.
Before his arrival, Pirates had soared the previous season. Even with just one trophy—the MTN8—the bar was set high.
Stepping into the space left by Jose Riveiro, the Moroccan coach needed to carve his own path—honouring the past while crafting a style and spirit that could belong to him alone.
This story is from the October 02, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
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