Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has a mountain to climb to match or surpass Jose Riveiro’s legacy.
The Spaniard left Orlando Pirates in May after securing five trophies in three seasons. He is regarded as one of the greatest coaches to ever coach the club, despite having just three years with the club.
His move to Al Ahly left the Bucs faithful shocked and disappointed, but Ouaddou appeared to give fans new hope. The Moroccan mentor took over in June and brought in 12 new players. During their pre-season tour in Spain, new players such as Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis adapted easily and impressed supporters.
In the MTN8 quarter-finals, Orlando Pirates easily defeated Polokwane City 2-0 and many fans felt Ouaddou was taking over from where Riveiro left off. It felt like the Buccaneers were in for another good season, but reality kicked in on Saturday.
A shock 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune gave fans less confidence, and some felt the team lacked the power up front.
Ouaddou’s mandate is to win either the CAF Champions League or the Betway Premiership. A poor start to the league and CAF CL elimination could see him get the boot before the season ends. A cup triumph and top 3 finish in the league will buy him time but anything less will see him get the sacking.
Has Riveiro impressed since leaving Orlando Pirates?
With Ouaddou trying to improve Pirates, his predecessor has struggled at Al Ahly. Riveiro’s mission upon joining the Red Devils was to guide them out of the group stages of the FIFA Club World Cup. The 12-time CAF Champions League winners were eliminated in the first round and looked poor in the three matches played.
In their opening fixture of the Egyptian Premier League, Riveiro’s men were held to a 2-2 draw against Modern Future. A poor start to the season has already put pressure on the ex-Pirates coach.
Another run of poor results in the league and CAF CL group stages could be the end of Riveiro at Al Ahly.
How can Riveiro return to Orlando Pirates
If the Spaniard fails to improve Al Ahly, he could find himself without a job by December. On the other side, Ouaddou’s stay will also be determined by his results. If Riveiro is available and the Moroccan coach is not delivering results, the Bucs management could very well recall to Spaniard and release the ex-Marumo Gallants mentor.
Will Riveiro ever return to Bucs?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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