Abdeslam Ouaddou Refuses to Take Blame for Pirates Transfer Strategy

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sparked a major debate in South African football after revealing that he has no direct involvement in the club’s scouting and player recruitment processes.

The Buccaneers coach made the revelation while explaining the division of responsibilities within the club, making it clear that identifying and bringing new players to Mayfair is not part of his contractual duties. His comments have raised questions about the extent of his influence over the squad and the relationship between the technical team and the club’s management.

“I’m not here to scout players, I have the players I have and I play with the players I have – unfortunately it’s not part of my duty, it’s not part of my contract to look for players,” Ouaddou stated.

The Moroccan-born coach’s remarks suggest that Orlando Pirates operates with a recruitment structure in which player identification and transfer decisions are handled separately from the head coach’s responsibilities.

Under this arrangement, Ouaddou’s primary focus is on preparing the available players, developing the team’s tactical approach and ensuring that the squad performs on the pitch. Meanwhile, the club’s recruitment and scouting structures are responsible for identifying potential additions.

His comments come at a time when Pirates supporters are closely monitoring the club’s squad development and ambitions across domestic and continental competitions. With the Buccaneers expected to challenge for major honours, recruitment remains an important factor in maintaining competitiveness.

Ouaddou’s position has also divided opinion among football supporters. While some believe the coach is right to concentrate on his contractual responsibilities, others feel that head coaches should have a significant voice in identifying players who suit their preferred playing style.

The debate is particularly relevant in modern football, where successful recruitment often depends on close cooperation between coaches, scouts and sporting directors.

Nevertheless, Ouaddou has made his position clear: he intends to work with the players available to him rather than take responsibility for transfer decisions.

His revelation has placed the spotlight on Orlando Pirates’ recruitment structure and raised questions about how much influence the coach has when it comes to shaping the squad he is expected to lead to success.

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