Abdeslam Ouaddou brings African pride and purpose to Orlando Pirates’ continental campaign

Abdeslam Ouaddou is a true African. He’s been heaping praise about the continent’s competencies both on and off the pitch.

Ouaddou arrived at Pirates this season, replacing head coach Jose Riveiro. He explained that he didn't bring his own trusted lieutenants, who are based in Europe, as he fully believed that the African-born technical team would succeed at the club.

True to his belief Ouaddou and his backroom staff delivered their first trophy at the first attempt—the MTN8—which was the record-extending fourth Wafa Wafa crown.

And that’s not all. After being involved in a serious car accident in Kempton while trying to help trapped passengers—alongside some members of his technical team and defender Tapelo Xoki—Ouaddou was full of praise for the African medical specialists that helped him return to the dugout, though still in an elbow brace.

He has continental coaching experience, having coached AS Vita Club in the CAF Confederation Cup last season, but Ouaddou knows that coaching in the continent’s premier club knockout competition, the Champions League, is the ceiling in inter-club football.

So, as Pirates look to secure their spot in the CAF Champions League group stage, and eventually the knockout rounds this season, this is a competition that the Moroccan-born coach will surely not take for granted.

The Sea Robbers have already sailed into steady waters in trying reach the final round of the preliminary qualifiers after beating a Lesotho-based side 3-0 in the first round preliminary qualifier's first leg at a neutral venue in Bloemfontein last week.

But while they might be one foot in the second round, expect Ouaddou to urge his troops to guard against complacency from Lioli in the second leg at home—Orlando Stadium—on Saturday afternoon (3 pm kick-off).

Ouaddou will know that a smooth ride into the final round of the qualifiers will send a clear warning about their intentions of not only wanting to reach the knockout stage, but going all the way.

After all, Pirates know the sweetness that comes with winning the Champions League. They were the first SA-based side—before Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016—to hoist the coveted title in 1995.

A number of Ouaddou’s predecessors have tried to emulate the class of 1995, but have come up short. Which is why he’ll want to build on the momentum of his recent predecessor, Riveiro, whose team fell short in the penultimate hurdle—the semi-final—last season.

Pirates choked in the semi-final last season due to various reasons, including having a limited and young squad. But Ouaddou doesn’t have such problems—he boasts a large squad that has a blend of youth and experienced personnel.

As a result, after starting a relatively strong team against Lioli last weekend, Ouaddou is expected to rotate his squad and give some of the fringe players a chance.

He bemoaned upon his arrival that it was a bit tricky to handle a large squad, but at the same time he stressed the importance of giving everyone equal attention as that’ll come in handy in the busy schedule. So, that time has come.

While doing well on the continent is one of Ouaddou’s priorities, he knows that they have to give their full focus to the Betway Premiership. This is the title that every Ghost is yearning for this season, having been runners-up to Sundowns for the last three seasons.

So, having been on a purple patch in the league, winning the last games on the trot, Ouaddou has to manage his squad better—especially for ties which are already won.

But still, do not expect the 43-year-old to take the game for granted. A winning momentum will come in handy, heading into the Carling Knockout and FIFA break.

So, expect Ouaddou to show his pride for African football by urging his troops to leave no stone unturned against Lioli at home.