Orlando Pirates FC appointed Abdeslam Ouaddou as head coach on 23 June 2025. In his first 44 matches, Ouaddou recorded 32 victories, seven draws, and five defeats.
What happened?
Ouaddou guided the Buccaneers to three trophies, including the league championship, ending a 14-year wait.
Why it matters for Orlando Pirates FC
The team's success under Ouaddou's leadership has been remarkable, with a record of 32 wins from 44 matches.
What comes next?
Ouaddou's post-match comments sparked speculation about his future, but he stressed that his concerns were about having the energy to continue leading the team.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 44 |
| Wins | 32 |
| Draws | 7 |
| Defeats | 5 |
| Trophies | 3 |
| League title | 1 |
| Wait for championship | 14 years |
Orlando Pirates FC competed across multiple competitions, carrying the burden of attempting to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Moroccan coach repeatedly stressed that his biggest concern was having the energy required to continue leading such an ambitious project.
Managing Pirates is unlike most jobs in South African football, with every result scrutinized and every selection debated.
The road ahead
Ouaddou's first chapter in his Pirates story has been extraordinary, with a league title, three trophies, and a record of 32 wins from 44 matches.
The evidence suggests he has done exactly what he set out to do: continue the winning culture established under Jose Riveiro while taking the team to even greater heights.
Abdeslam Ouaddou's appointment as Orlando Pirates FC head coach has been a resounding success, with the team achieving a historic treble under his leadership.
Orlando Pirates FC Hub