Abdeslam Ouaddou appointed as Orlando Pirates head coach
Orlando Pirates Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new head coach ahead of the upcoming season.
Ouaddou succeeds Jose Riveiro, who has stepped down after a successful three-year stint to take up a new role at Al Ahly.
Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, both on and off the pitch. A former Moroccan international with 68 caps for the Atlas Lions, Ouaddou enjoyed an accomplished playing career across several top European leagues.
Renowned for his tactical insight and strong leadership, he is well-positioned to guide the Buccaneers into an exciting new chapter.
🚨𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒🚨
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 23, 2025
Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as Head Coach.
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𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦 !
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/R5pXBYjGhW
Coach Ouaddou is expected to arrive in South Africa later this week and will be supported by assistants Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.
The club’s pre-season training will officially begin on 27 June.
As part of their preparations, Orlando Pirates will embark on their third straight international pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain, from 8 July to 20 July. The tour will include high-profile friendlies against European sides such as Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain).
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