Why Did Orlando Pirates’ New Coach Arrive Without His Own Technical Team? The Surprising Reason Behind the Decision
In modern football, coaches often surround themselves with a close-knit group of assistants, fitness coaches, analysts, and other specialists.
This team helps implement their vision, tactics, and training methods.
So, when Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou arrived at Orlando Pirates solo, it was a notable departure from the norm.
Ouaddou himself addressed the question directly.
He explained that while he does have a trusted technical team he usually works with—about five or six people—he chose not to bring them with him to Orlando Pirates.
This is not the first time he has done so; he also arrived alone when he took the reins at Marumo Gallants.
His reasoning is rooted in a deep belief in African competence and the value of local expertise.
Ouaddou emphasized that South Africa, and Africa more broadly, is home to highly qualified professionals in football coaching and sports science.
Many of these individuals hold advanced certifications and degrees from respected universities on the continent.
By choosing to work with the existing technical staff at Orlando Pirates, Ouaddou sends a strong message: he trusts in the abilities of African coaches and support staff.
Bringing an entire foreign technical team might imply a lack of confidence in local talent, which he wants to avoid.
This approach also helps maintain continuity within the club.
The current staff members—such as assistant coaches Mangazi and Ryan Jacobs, goalkeeper coach Terron Dammons, head of strength and conditioning Helme Guish, and sport science experts like Ulie Miles and Ryan Cox—already have a solid understanding of the team’s culture and players.
Their experience and legacy at Pirates provide a valuable foundation for Ouaddou’s work.
Ouaddou pointed out that some of these local coaches have impressive credentials, including experience winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This further underscores his confidence in the existing staff’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the club’s success.
The club itself has been proactive in strengthening its technical and support teams, not just by signing new players but by investing in the backroom staff.
This creates an environment where the new coach can focus on implementing his strategies without having to rebuild the entire technical framework from scratch.
Fans and analysts have praised this approach, noting that it fosters collaboration and respects the club’s history.
It also avoids the disruption that can come with wholesale changes to the coaching staff.
Despite arriving without his own team, Ouaddou is far from working alone.
The synergy between him and the current technical staff is expected to be a key factor in the Pirates’ upcoming season.
This collaboration aims to blend fresh ideas with established knowledge, hopefully leading to improved performances on the pitch.
The timing is critical, as the Pirates are preparing to travel to Spain for their preseason tour.
They must be ready to hit the ground running, with friendlies starting soon after arrival.
Having a cohesive technical team in place will be essential to managing training sessions, player fitness, and tactical preparations.
In summary, Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to come alone to Orlando Pirates is a deliberate and thoughtful one.
It reflects his respect for African coaching talent and his desire to build on the club’s existing strengths.
Rather than imposing an entirely new technical setup, he aims to integrate with the current staff, leveraging their local knowledge and experience.
This approach could prove beneficial, fostering unity and providing stability during a period of transition.
As the Pirates gear up for their preseason challenges, all eyes will be on how well this unique coaching arrangement works in practice.
Will Ouaddou’s trust in the local technical team pay off?
Can this blend of continuity and new leadership propel the club to success?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Orlando Pirates are embarking on their new chapter with a fresh philosophy—one that values collaboration, respect for local expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence.
