Ouaddou takes over the reins ahead of the new season, replacing Jose Riveiro at the helm following his decision to step down to join Al Ahly, after a successful three-year tenure.

Ouaddou made an immediate impact at Gallants, guiding the club to safety from relegation. In his very first match in charge, Gallants stunned Pirates with a 2-0 victory in Bloemfontein. He went on to lead the team on a seven-match unbeaten run to close out the season.

The 46-year-old Ouaddou is a former Moroccan international, who has earned 68 caps for The Atlas Lions and enjoyed a distinguished playing career across several top European leagues.

Ouaddou, who is expected to arrive in South Africa towards the end of the week, will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi and Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons with pre-season preparations that will officially kick off on the 27th of June.  His first signing as Pirates head coach is now former Gallants midfielder, Masindi Confidence Nemtajela.

As part of preparations for the upcoming campaign, Orlando Pirates will embark on their third consecutive international pre-season tour to Marbella, Spain. The training camp, set to run from July 8 to July 20, will see the team engage in high-level friendly matches against European opponents, including England’s Bolton Wanderers, Pafos FC in Cyprus, and Las Palmas and Granada, both in Spain.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg