Pirates coach Ouaddou responds to Zamalek links

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has commented on his future at the club amid reports that he is being courted by Egyptian giants Zamalek.

Reports this week have suggested the Pirates coach has been approached by clubs in North Africa with Zamalek particularly keen on landing him and reportedly ready to buy out his contract.

This comes at a time when Ouaddou is leading pre-season training in Spain where his team have already played one match, the 1-1 draw against Spanish side Cordoba in Marbella on Wednesday, with four more to go.

Pirates coach clarifies ‘tired’ remark

Having stated that he was ‘tired’ and was not sure about his future immediately after ending Pirates’ 14-year wait for the Premier Soccer League title in May, Ouaddou was interpreted to be looking out rather than in but he later insisted that it was all about fatigue and not searching for a new job or improved contract.

🔴 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋:

Serious talks are taking place behind the scenes between Zamalek and Orlando Pirates over head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Zamalek are keen to buy out Ouaddou’s contract, but Orlando Pirates have categorically rejected the approach at this stage.

Both parties have… pic.twitter.com/m7ebJNWBcC

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) July 16, 2026

The Moroccan tactician has reiterated that stance, insisting that he is with the Soweto giants to stay.

“I really had a good time, I was honest with people, I felt tiredness because to lead such a big club with fantastic fans is demanding,” Ouaddou told former Pirates star Michael Morton.

“Everybody knows that it’s demanding, so I don’t understand why people don’t understand why the coach can be tired. But I’m back, I recharged all my batteries, not 100% I’m 2000%.”

Ouaddou dismisses North Africa links

Ouaddou then addressed the links to North Africa, dismissing any notion that is about to jump ship.

“I’m not 100%…” 😳 pic.twitter.com/1rXyAge4Xm

— Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) July 16, 2026

“What I want to say is that I’ve read a lot of things with people saying, ‘Coach has offers in North Africa and Europe’,” he added.

“But people have to understand that I’m very loyal, Mpumi [Khoza], Nkosana [Khoza], the father [Irvin Khoza]. I have a lot of respect for these people. They gave me an opportunity to lead such a big club. Not everyone is given this opportunity, so I must be loyal.”

Ouaddou enjoyed a dream debut season at Pirates in 2025-26 when he ended their long drought for the PSL title while also winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, completing a domestic treble, and he is now looking to defend them while also eyeing CAF Champions League success.