Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou lands major new job

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is set to take on a high-profile role during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. The former Moroccan international will join SuperSport TV as a pundit, providing expert analysis throughout the tournament while keeping a close eye on his players representing Bafana Bafana.

The continental showpiece kicks off on 21 December and runs until 18 January, with South Africa drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. Bafana’s fixtures include Angola on 22 December, Egypt on 26 December, and Zimbabwe on 29 December.

Pirates Well-Represented in Bafana Squad

Ouaddou’s in-form Pirates side has nine players in Hugo Broos’s squad:
Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who recently signed for MLS club Chicago Fire.

Ouaddou on AFCON Break

When asked if the AFCON break would disrupt Pirates’ momentum, Ouaddou said:

“The break has come at the right moment because we’ve played so many games—Champions League, cup games, PSL games. We’ve played more games than most teams. The nation needs our players fit, and I need them to give everything.”

He added:

“I’ll watch their games closely and evaluate their performance. I told them they have to go to the national team and give 100% for their country.”

SuperSport TV Role

In addition to monitoring his players, Ouaddou will provide expert analysis on SuperSport TV, offering insights on Bafana’s progress and the tournament’s biggest talking points. His dual role as coach and analyst underscores his growing influence in African football.