The French-Moroccan tactician arrived at Orlando Pirates and immediately delivered one of the greatest campaigns in the club’s recent history.
He lifted the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Betway Premiership titles.
ORLANDO PIRATES TURN ATTENTION TO AFRICA
With rivals Mamelodi Sundowns lifting the CAF Champions League title this past weekend, attention has quickly shifted towards whether the Buccaneers can now become South Africa’s next continental force.
Orlando Pirates supporters celebrated a first league title in 14 years, but success often changes the conversation quickly. Winning the league is one thing. Competing in Africa and chasing the biggest club prize on the continent is another challenge altogether.
Ouaddou was asked directly whether he can bring that success to Orlando Pirates. The coach avoided making grand promises.
“Look, I think I’m not a magician, but what we can promise with people, like we did this season, we are going to prepare and sweat for that,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.
“We will try and make them happy.” The response reflected the approach that helped Pirates dominate locally this season.
Rather than speak about guarantees, the coach placed emphasis on preparation and work behind the scenes.
ADBESLAM OUADDOU BACKS THE WORK DONE BEHIND THE SCENES
The Orlando Pirates mentor believes the foundation already exists inside the club. He pointed towards the effort put in daily by players and staff and how that translated onto the pitch during the title-winning campaign.
“The players, the management, the technical director knows the work we do every day, the trust that we put in players, our competencies and our qualities,” he added.
Orlando Pirates remained consistent throughout the season and repeatedly found ways to deliver results in pressure moments.
Ouaddou believes that mentality was visible until the very end of the campaign. “I always believed that the guys would apply [what we do in training] until the last game, last minute and last second.
“And it’s football is not an exact science,” Ouaddou concluded.
The focus now shifts to next season where Orlando Pirates will return to continental competition carrying far bigger expectations than before.
WHAT DO YOU EXEPECT FROM THE CLUB IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT SEASON?
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