Orlando Pirates has confirmed the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as its new head coach.
Orlando Pirates announce Jose Riveiro successor
The announcement comes after the departure of Jose Riveiro, who stepped down to join Egyptian club Al Ahly following a successful three-year spell with the Buccaneers.
Ouaddou, who is 46 years old, was born in Alnif, Morocco, and will take charge ahead of the upcoming season. He is expected to arrive in South Africa later this week and begin working with his technical team, which includes Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.
Pre-season training starts on 27 June 2025.
Jose Riveiro led Pirates through three seasons marked by competitive success and is now moving on to new opportunities in North Africa. His replacement, Abdeslam Ouaddou, brings experience both as a player and coach.
Pirates’ pre-season plans include a trip to Marbella, Spain, from 8 July to 20 July 2025, where they will face teams like Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain) in friendly matches.
Who is Abdeslam Ouaddou?
Ouaddou played professionally as a central defender and defensive midfielder. His playing career spanned multiple clubs across Europe and the Middle East. He earned 68 caps for the Moroccan national team, representing them in international competitions between 2000 and 2009.
He began his European club journey at age 21 and signed with Fulham in England in 2001. After a short stint in the Premier League, he returned to France, playing for clubs like Rennes, Valenciennes, and AS Nancy.
His time in France included being voted the best signing for Nancy during the 2008–09 season.
Later, he played in the Qatar Stars League with Al-Duhail and Qatar SC. In 2013, he briefly rejoined AS Nancy before retiring from professional football.
In coaching, Ouaddou has served in various roles. In 2020, he joined Algeria’s national team as an apprentice under coach Djamel Belmadi.
The move stirred controversy due to political tensions between Morocco and Algeria.
He later explained that his decision was based on his wish to learn from experienced coaches and a lack of opportunities offered by Moroccan football authorities.
In January 2024, he was appointed head coach of AS Vita Club, marking a formal start to his top-level coaching career.
Ouaddou holds dual Moroccan and French nationality and is described as having a strong understanding of the game and leadership qualities. His role at Pirates will be his first coaching position in South African football.
With a blend of international experience and tactical knowledge, the club hopes his leadership will usher in a new phase for the Buccaneers.
