Ouaddou won’t change Riveiro’s structures

Orlando Pirates‘ new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made it clear that he will build on what Jose Riveiro left behind.

The Spanish coach was in charge of the Buccaneers from 2022 until 2025, and won five trophies in three seasons. Riveiro transformed the Pirates side that looked below par before his arrival and made them one of the best teams in Africa.

Having left for Al Ahly, Orlando Pirates have found Ouaddou as his replacement. The Moroccan coach has won his first match in charge and could very well become a fan favourite if he continues from where Riveiro left off.

“As a new coach, it is very important to keep the legacy,” Ouaddou said, as quoted by SPORTSWIRE.

“When you arrive at a club such as Orlando Pirates that has been working well, that has built a legacy for three years, it would be stupid for me to come and try to change everything,” he added.

“Let’s keep the good things and try and bring my own touch. So, we are expecting an exciting season; we want to please our fans.”

Ouaddou looking to build on Riveiro’s legacy at Orlando Pirates

“When I saw the fans in the opening game (last week’s MTN8 quarter-final), it was just fantastic. So, we don’t want to disappoint them,” he said.

“We are ready; we did a good pre-season camp (in Spain), the club made some new signings, the scouting department did a tremendous job, and I’m a happy coach because I have a choice.”

“We cannot hide. We are going to play our role this season. It will not be easy, because every year the PSL is getting more and more difficult, with lots of contenders in the league. Of course, we are ready, and we are ready to play our role.”

Ouaddou will be in charge of Orlando Pirates’ first league match of the season this weekend against Sekhukhune United.