‘We don’t give black coaches time’: Orlando Pirates coach argues

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged that black coaches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are not given enough time to prove themselves.

The Moroccan coach joined the Buccaneers in June, replacing Jose Riveiro, who won five trophies in three years with the Sea Robbers. Ouaddou has had a mixed start to his tenure, winning just two of the club’s six matches across all competitions.

Pirates fans have been sceptical about their new coach following the team’s poor start to the Betway Premiership season.

“I came alone here, I could have come with six people, a team in Europe, but I believe in African competencies, the grass is not greener elsewhere, if you profile people in South Africa, they are competent – I don’t need to bring people here,” said Ouaddou as per iDiski Times.

Pirates coach reacts after tough start

“The problem in the mind of people, when you have black skin, straight away we don’t give these people time [to work], I just ask, give me time – I know my competencies, I’m African proud.

“It’s why I kissed my brothers [in my technical team at full-time] because they did a good job, so if I have time, maybe I can help the club, if I don’t, I will be sacked and I go as well, it’s football, it’s life, but I love my job,” Ouaddou said.

This past weekend, the Moroccan became the latest Pirates coach to reach a cup final. The Buccaneers reached their fourth consecutive MTN8 final by beating Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties on Saturday.

Pirates are again in action on Tuesday against Orbit College in a Premier Soccer League match.