Constructing on Pirates strengths, welcoming new challenges: Ouaddou – SABC Information

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou won’t tamper a lot with the team, but will build on the work of his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, to make it more competitive and successful.

The Morocco-born tactician is well aware that he has big shoes to fill given the club’s success in the last three seasons, where it won an impressive five trophies with Spaniard Riveiro at the helm.

But he’s confident he will lead Pirates to more success, including challenging for the league title, both the Nedbank Cup and the MTN8, as well as the CAF Champions League title.

It wasn’t long after Riveiro’s departure was announced by the club, that a number of high-profile coaches, including Pitso Mosimane, were linked to the Pirates hot seat.

But the club didn’t have to go far to find a replacement for Riveiro with Ouaddou, who previously had a stint at Marumo Gallants, appointed to the job.

The 46-year-old says he won’t tinker too much with the team.

Instead, he wants to build on the work of his predecessor.

He added that he will try and strike a balance between the new exciting talent the club has signed, and its experienced players to make it more competitive and successful.

Pirates vow to challenge for every trophy

Pirates have been the Cup kings the last three seasons, winning five of the nine domestic knockout competitions.

But expectations will be even higher this season after the club signed no less than eight young and exciting players, including Bafana Bafana winger, Oswin Appolis, and midfielder, Sipho Mbule.

Both Ouaddou and captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi, say with the depth the club has, it will challenge for every trophy on offer, including the league title.

Pirates will kick off their Betway Premiership campaign at home against Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon. – Reporting by Percy Nkatlo