Abdeslam Ouaddou sets record straight on Orlando Pirates future

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has set the record straight on his future at the club amid swirling reports of growing interest in his services in North Africa.

This comes after the former Morocco international cited tiredness on the heels of guiding the Soweto giants to a domestic treble in the previous campaign, his first term in charge.

He clinched the MTN8, the Carling Knockout Cup, and the prestigious Betway Premiership title, ending the club's 14-year drought for a league title.

Now, with the 2026/27 campaign fast approaching, Ouaddou has poured cold water on speculations that he could leave the Bucs project, stating that he's raring to go again.

“I already spoke about this subject, you know it better than me that when you are coaching with passion, with honesty, such a big club that is important in South Africa you need energy. And I think at that time I honestly needed to share my feelings,” said the Pirates boss.

"Of course, after that many people can interpret it the way they want. But it was just a feeling that I had at that moment, and I had the time to rest and the challenge, the things that we have built with the players, the relationship with the players, the ambition to try again this season and maybe go a little bit higher is really a fantastic challenge.

The 47-year-old tactician says the working environment at Pirates and the prospect of achieving even greater things in the upcoming season is what lured him back to Mayfair.

“The values of the club, the values of the management, the values of the players, the professionalism of all the people that are working at Pirates - I already told you that I've been working in the continent for nearly six years now, and I can tell you that I'm really enjoying working in such conditions with people who have a project to be successful,” Ouaddou added.

"So, it's what pushed me to give my best again and to come to such fantastic people and try maybe to lift the club a little bit higher. But it was just a feeling and I think I was just honest to share my feelings with the fans and with you [journalists] as well, and it's better sometimes than hiding the things because there are some people that hide things and don't say anything and they don't come back, you find them in other clubs, but I am here, I am happy, and I keep going.

Pirates, meanwhile, kickstart their Betway Premiership title defense with a clash against newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 01 August.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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