Ouaddou set to for characters

ABDESLAM Ouaddou is made of sterner stuff. And as such, he knows the buck will stop with him in making sure the Sea Robbers sail into steady waters.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Ouaddou was appointed as Orlando Pirates' new head coach last month, taking over the reins from José Riveiro, who joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach arrived at the club fully aware that the job is no small task — he must pick up where Riveiro left off and address the team’s shortcomings.

Riveiro had an impressive tenure, leading Pirates to five trophies and three successive second-place league finishes during his three-year spell. Speaking to Pirates TV recently, Ouaddou applauded the Spaniard’s achievements and insisted that the solid foundation and momentum must not go to waste.

The 46-year-old also outlined what he intends to bring to the team and the areas he believes need improvement for Pirates to take the next step.

“I like the philosophy of positional play, and I like to score quickly,” Ouaddou explained.