With Orlando Pirates having officially been unveiled Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new head coach ahead of the new season, the contract details have been revealed.
This appointment, particularly given the preceding strong links between Rulani Mokwena and a return to the club, has undeniably taken many by surprise.
Reports suggest that various ‘stumbling blocks' emerged during the advanced stages of Mokwena's potential switch to the Buccaneers, ultimately paving the way for Ouaddou's recruitment.
The 46-year-old French-Moroccan coach has now formally assumed his new responsibilities, thereby inaugurating a fresh era for Ezimnyama Ngenkani.
His arrival follows a remarkably fruitful three-year spell under Jose Riveiro, a period during which the club secured an impressive five trophies, including a commanding three MTN8 titles and two prestigious Nedbank Cups, before Riveiro's departure to join Al Ahly.
HOW LONG IS OUADDOU’S CONTRACT AT PIRATES
Ouaddou’s commitment to the club is solidified by a two-year contract, which, according to FARPost, is slated to run until June 2027.
The former AS Vita coach is now tasked with not only maintaining but ideally elevating the formidable winning momentum established by his predecessor.
His initial challenge will be to meticulously prepare the Soweto giants during the forthcoming pre-season camp in Spain, a critical period for forging team cohesion and tactical readiness for what is anticipated to be a rigorous season ahead.
Ouaddou is no stranger to South African football, having made a significant, albeit brief, impact during his tenure with Marumo Gallants. He joined Bahlabane Ba Ntwa in early March with the explicit mandate of preserving the club's top-flight status in the Betway Premiership.
During his 12 matches across all competitions at Gallants, he achieved a respectable record of five wins, four draws, and three losses, ultimately guiding them to a 10th-place finish with 32 points after 28 league matches.
His subsequent abrupt departure from Gallants immediately ignited considerable interest from both local and international clubs. While Chippa United initially showed strong interest, they ultimately appointed Sinethemba Badela as Ouaddou was still in the process of resolving lingering issues with his former club.
Furthermore, he was reportedly a target for an unnamed club within the Belgian Challenger Pro League, and even newly promoted Durban City extended an offer, but Ouaddou ultimately opted for the highly coveted move to Orlando Pirates.
