How Orlando Pirates Coach Is Being Hunted Ahead Of Heated Morocco Return

RS BERKANE BOMBSHELL! Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Morocco Return Puts Orlando Pirates Coach in the Spotlight

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 29 OCTOBER 2026

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is attracting attention in Morocco following the Buccaneers’ draw against RS Berkane in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage.

The Moroccan club’s inclusion in Group C has added an intriguing storyline to Pirates’ continental campaign, with Ouaddou preparing to return to his homeland for a crucial encounter against familiar opposition.

According to reports, the prospect of facing RS Berkane has placed the Pirates coach under the spotlight in Morocco, where his connection to the country adds another dimension to an already demanding Champions League assignment.

Orlando Pirates have been drawn in Group C alongside RS Berkane, Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive.

The South African champions secured their place in the group stage after an emphatic 5-0 aggregate victory over Namibia’s African Stars in the qualifying rounds.

The result offered a positive response after Pirates were eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the previous campaign, and the Soweto giants will now be determined to make a stronger impression in Africa’s premier club competition.

However, the group presents several challenges, particularly against RS Berkane, a club with considerable experience in continental football.

Berkane have established themselves as a major force in African competitions, having won the CAF Confederation Cup three times. Their experience makes them a formidable opponent as Pirates pursue their ambitions in the Champions League.

For Ouaddou, the meeting with RS Berkane represents more than another fixture on the continental calendar.

Returning to Morocco with a South African club is likely to attract additional attention, particularly as he attempts to guide Pirates through a competitive group.

The coach will nevertheless need to keep his attention firmly on the football, ensuring that his players are prepared for the tactical and physical demands of the encounter.

Pirates will also face Simba SC, coached by South African tactician Steve Barker, while their double-header against Colombe Sportive will provide another important test of their consistency.

Pirates are South Africa’s only representatives in the CAF Champions League group stage this season following Mamelodi Sundowns’ elimination by Angola’s Wiliete SC.

That places additional responsibility on the Buccaneers to represent the country strongly against some of Africa’s established clubs.

The group-stage campaign is scheduled to begin between 27 and 29 November 2026, with the final round of matches set for January 2027.

For Ouaddou, the Morocco reunion offers an opportunity to demonstrate his ambitions with Pirates on a continental stage. The attention surrounding his return will be significant, but performances and results will ultimately determine whether the Buccaneers can progress to the knockout rounds.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115828581632725292

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