Orlando Pirates recently played four friendly games in Spain, where they camped for 12 days ahead of the new season.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was using the game to have a look at his players and rebuild his squad in his bid to deliver following the exit of coach Jose Riveiro to Egyptian champions Al Ahly. The former Morocco defender saw the Sea Robbers lose two friendly games, draw one, and win the other.
The 46-year-old Frenchman has opened up on what he learnt from the players and how the European tour has helped him to know more about the players. Ouaddou further hinted he has a vivid picture of players he will be using in his first team for the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign.
Apart from the domestic games, the Soweto giants will be dining with the big boys in the Caf Champions League.
‘These 12 days helped me get closer to the players'
“Like I said, I think the conditions given to us by the club worked. We played four games and everyone had a chance to play. This season, everyone has to be ready to give something to Orlando Pirates,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
“Of course, I knew the team before [I came here] because I played against Pirates while at Marumo [Gallants], but a lot of new players have arrived. But indeed, these 12 days helped me get closer to the players, to talk to them and to see their abilities in training. So, I have a clear idea about the players, and that is good.
“But not just the players, the staff as well, because it is a staff that was working at the club, and it was an opportunity for me to create a relationship with them.
“Everybody has to be proud to be the coach of such a big club in Africa. Of course, we are excited to return to Johannesburg to play in front of fans because we know that there are a lot of Pirates fans in South Africa, and not only in South Africa but around the continent as well,” he concluded.
Bucs start their new season with the MTN8 game against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on August 2.
