Abdeslam Ouaddou promises a better version of Reveiro's Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team has reached the end of a 'process', hence they'll have to fight for honours next season.
Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Pirates after his predecessor Jose Riveiro left the club amid the expiry of his contract to join Al Ahly.
The Moroccan-born coach has bigger shoes to fill as he builds on a conrete foundation that Riveiro laid and take the team to dizzy heights.
Ouaddou must continue to ensure that Pirates are still the 'Cup Kings', while returning them back to the pinnacle of SA football for the first time since 2012.
The former Marumo Gallants' coach, speaking in an exclusive interview with Pirates TV yesterday, said he's ready for the task that lies ahead.
'We are (going to be) very ambitious - the players and staff,' Ouaddou said. 'What we can promise (the fans) is that they'll see a very strong team this season.
'We'll be very ambitious, with a strong character and personality. (In the end) we will be a winning team.'
Ouaddou is not naive, though, thinking that everything will be easy. That's why he wants to continue with where Riveiro has left off, and then instill a winning habit.
'It's a big challenge, and the club is well organised. But they've arrived at a stage where they need to go forward,' Ouaddou explained.
'They did a fantastic job during the previous years. We have to congratulate Riveiro - he's a fantastic man and did a fantastic job. Thanks to the board which supported him.
'They had a strong vision, and allowed people to work. But perhaps, we've now arrived at the end of the project of five years.
'People now need victories, and trophies. I am very passionate and ready for that. Of course, there's pressure everywhere … but it's a good pressure.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
14 hours ago
- IOL News
Abdeslam Ouaddou promises a better version of Reveiro's Orlando Pirates
NEW Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, left, promises to improve the side as he shakes his predecessor Jose Riveiro's hand. | BackpagePix Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team has reached the end of a 'process', hence they'll have to fight for honours next season. Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Pirates after his predecessor Jose Riveiro left the club amid the expiry of his contract to join Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach has bigger shoes to fill as he builds on a conrete foundation that Riveiro laid and take the team to dizzy heights. Ouaddou must continue to ensure that Pirates are still the 'Cup Kings', while returning them back to the pinnacle of SA football for the first time since 2012. The former Marumo Gallants' coach, speaking in an exclusive interview with Pirates TV yesterday, said he's ready for the task that lies ahead. 'We are (going to be) very ambitious - the players and staff,' Ouaddou said. 'What we can promise (the fans) is that they'll see a very strong team this season. 'We'll be very ambitious, with a strong character and personality. (In the end) we will be a winning team.' Ouaddou is not naive, though, thinking that everything will be easy. That's why he wants to continue with where Riveiro has left off, and then instill a winning habit. 'It's a big challenge, and the club is well organised. But they've arrived at a stage where they need to go forward,' Ouaddou explained. 'They did a fantastic job during the previous years. We have to congratulate Riveiro - he's a fantastic man and did a fantastic job. Thanks to the board which supported him. 'They had a strong vision, and allowed people to work. But perhaps, we've now arrived at the end of the project of five years. 'People now need victories, and trophies. I am very passionate and ready for that. Of course, there's pressure everywhere … but it's a good pressure.'
The South African
16 hours ago
- The South African
PSL transfer news: Lucas Ribeiro hints Brazil move, Mofokeng exit
PSL fans still have just under two months to wait until they see their favourite players grace the pitch in a season which promises to deliver fireworks. Orlando Pirates were hot on Mamelodi Sundowns' heels last season, but tapered off towards the end. This offseason, they have already brought in 10 recruits, including established PSL stars Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. Their arrivals would make the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng a lighter pill to swallow. The 20-year-old phenom has several clubs, from FC Cincinnati to Ah Ahly, vying for his services, fuelling speculation of an offseason exit; a notion further solidified by his father, who has urged the Pirates winger to flock the PSL. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba Mofokeng said. '[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added. Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate a result. Photo: @MamelodiSundowns/OfficialPSL/Twitter Meanwhile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa would have had some nostalgia playing Brazil's Fluminense in the Club World Cup; but its Palmeiras who has is heart. Could a PSL exit be looming for the league's top goalscorer? 'You know that we, players, support the team we play for, but I have always supported Palmeiras,' said Ribeiro Costa. 'I've always been a big fan because of my father. He loves Palmeiras a lot and has always made me follow him since I was little. But we, professional players, have always loved the club we are playing for, too.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ouaddou explains Orlando Pirates move
He takes over from Jose Riveiro, who had a very three-year successful stint with Bucs. New Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has thanked the club board and the fans for the warm welcome he has received since joining the club. Pirates announced Ouaddou as their new coach last month. He takes over from Jose Riveiro, who had a very three-year successful stint with Bucs. ALSO READ: Official: Pirates beat rivals Chiefs to Appollis' signature The Moroccan said he was honored to be part of the Pirates. 'It's a club, but for it's an institution, when I see the fantastic organisation of the club, we can really say it's an institution,' Ouaddou told Pirates TV. 'I will try to speak honestly and respect the brand, the football, and the fans as well, there is world between the organisation, the professionalism, the vision as well, I can say in Marumo Gallants, I had a good time, fantastic behaviour, mentality of players,' added Ouaddou before outlining the difference between his former club Marumo Gallants and Pirates. 'Nice people, fantastic fans as well, the fans fantastic, very friendly people, so I appreciated a lot. But if we compare the two clubs, it's too far away. was very surprised by the way I was scouted by Pirates. 'I can tell you Pirates are in the future, very advanced about how they are seeing football, how they are managing the club, I can tell the fans, those who love Orlando Pirates are lucky to have such people looking after the club.' Ouaddou in awe of Pirates management Ouaddou said he was amazed by how Pirates are managed, having played England and France during his playing days. 'I played in England and France, I'm not sure if I have seen the way this people are managing the club, getting exactly what they want.' ALSO READ: Chiefs announce the signing of former Orlando Pirates duo Ouaddou also revealed that Pirates have been tracking his progress for the past four to five years. 'The board saw me four or five times before taking a decision, they don't take anyone just like that. 'There's a lot of criteria, and when you past the first criteria, they have another one, when you finish, they have a second, and third, there's a fourth one. We can say that the most important things will be results, when you coming to such a big club, there's a brand,' concluded Ouaddou. Ouaddou's first official game in charge of Pirates will be against Polokwane City in the MTN8 on the weekend of 1 and 2 August.
