Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs has given his opinion on the appointment of Moroccan Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new coach.
Ouaddou was confirmed as Jose Riveiro’s successor on Monday, ending weeks of speculation over the identity of the new coach, with big names like Josephs’ friend and boss in Kenya Benni McCarthy, Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena missing out.
The appointment of Ouaddou has been met with mixed reactions from Pirates fans and ex-players and Josephs is among those who is cautiously embracing him, hoping that he can surprise just like Riveiro, who was labeled a ‘plumber’ when he first arrived, before he went on to bring success at the club.
What has Josephs said about Ouaddou?
“We have heard the news that we have signed our new coach. Yes, we are all a little bit concerned, and rightfully so,” Josephs said on SoccerBeat.
“We had our three candidates but as we know, Orlando Pirates, we have to put our faith in the administration because they brought us Jose [Riveiro], who we all called a plumber, and have brought us kind of an unknown coach as well which I am sure everybody will be keeping an eye on.
“But like we all said, Jose was a plumber and look what he turned out to be, a master. So, we will start over with the new coach, now we will call him a carpenter but remember, Jesus was also a carpenter, he turned out to be the Messiah.”
Pirates legend set targets for new coach
The former Pirates goalkeeper, however, set out clear targets for Ouaddou, saying the tactician should expect pressure right from his first day in the job.
“So, coach, you will have our support but also know coach, Orlando Pirates want to be winning things and that is why we brought you here. We will be right behind you but know we want to be winning things,” Josephs added.
The former Marumo Gallants coach was a surprise appointment but had done well in his four months in South Africa, guiding the team to safety as they finished 10th in the PSL with 32 points, same as ninth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.
