‘I’m not chasing money’ – Ouaddou comes clean on why he might leave Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists his decision not to assure fans about his future is not a ploy to get a new and improved contract.

Shortly after masterminding Pirates’ first league title in 14 years on Saturday, Ouaddou threw a spanner in the works when he said he is “tired” and not sure about continuing at the club.

That has sent panic among Pirates fans and perhaps the management but some have read it as a way of forcing the Buccaneers to offer him fresh terms after his achievements, which also include winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

However, the Moroccan coach remains adamant that he is physically and mentally exhausted by the demands of the job and is looking for fresh energy and not money.

Ouaddou dismisses money talk

“I had the chance to play 17 years at a high level so you can imagine I am not chasing a contract, I am not chasing money,” he said.

“I am doing this job for passion and especially, I wanted to do it in my continent in Africa. But you need energy, you need power and motivation to do this job.

Orlando Pirates treble winning coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he can’t address his future at the moment, citing fatigue as the main reason. This was just moments after ending the club’s 14-year league title drought in Mbombela.

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“To lead Pirates is not easy. It is an ecosystem of millions of people and if you add the social media, I call it the popular court. When you have been judged but millions of people do not see what you are doing in the week.”

Ouaddou says leading Pirates in his maiden season has taken its toll on him and he needs time to reflect and consult before deciding whether he will be in the dugout next season.

Happy Sunday ⏳

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Pirates coach seeking fresh motivation

“They don’t know the purpose of your work, the amount of work. Sometimes people are easy to judge and social media becomes a popular court,” he added.

“For that, you need energy to accept it and my only wish is now to rest and be with my family and think about the future.

“You cannot lie to the people, this job is very difficult, you need the capacity and motivation to lead such a project and I have to sit, think, speak with my fantastic management and it is not about contract or money, it is about energy.

“You need energy to lead this project. There are a lot of expectations from the fans and I speak now because I am tired. It has been 10 months of working so I need energy.”