Orlando Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team has reached the end of a “process”, hence they’ll have to fight for honours next season.
Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Pirates after his predecessor Jose Riveiro left the club amid the expiry of his contract to join Al Ahly.
The Moroccan-born coach has bigger shoes to fill as he builds on a conrete foundation that Riveiro laid and take the team to dizzy heights.
Ouaddou must continue to ensure that Pirates are still the “Cup Kings”, while returning them back to the pinnacle of SA football for the first time since 2012.
The former Marumo Gallants’ coach, speaking in an exclusive interview with Pirates TV yesterday, said he’s ready for the task that lies ahead.
“We are (going to be) very ambitious – the players and staff,” Ouaddou said. “What we can promise (the fans) is that they’ll see a very strong team this season.
“We’ll be very ambitious, with a strong character and personality. (In the end) we will be a winning team.”
Ouaddou is not naive, though, thinking that everything will be easy. That’s why he wants to continue with where Riveiro has left off, and then instill a winning habit.
“It’s a big challenge, and the club is well organised. But they’ve arrived at a stage where they need to go forward,” Ouaddou explained.
“They did a fantastic job during the previous years. We have to congratulate Riveiro – he’s a fantastic man and did a fantastic job. Thanks to the board which supported him.
“They had a strong vision, and allowed people to work. But perhaps, we’ve now arrived at the end of the project of five years.
“People now need victories, and trophies. I am very passionate and ready for that. Of course, there’s pressure everywhere … but it’s a good pressure.”
Ouaddou arrives at Pirates as a relatively unknown figure, despite representing the Atlas Lions and some well known teams abroad, including EPL outfit Fulham.
However, he’s not letting his unpopularity discourage him from believing that he’s the right man to steer the Sea Robbers back to the golden shores of SA football.
“People can be asking themselves ‘what did this coach win?’ He’s not experienced. ‘How will he coach such a big club?’,” Ouaddou said.
“I believe in the capabilities versus experience. You can have someone who was coaching for 20 years, and didn’t win anything.
“You can have, on the other hand, a young coach, who’s hungry, and wants to win. He wants to improve things. It’s the same with a player in the team as well.”
Ouaddou might have promised the ‘The Ghost’, that they’ll be a better version of Riveiro’s team from the last three seasons, but he’s also pleaded with them to rally behind the team.
“First of all, I like the power of the fanbase,” Ouaddou said. “I came from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg to watch the derby, and I was very impressed by the fans.
“I wish that we can have them everywhere in the country when we are going to play. We want to have the stadium packed. They must know they are the 12th man in our team.”
The Ghost will get a snippet of seeing ‘Ouaddou Ball’ during their tour of Marbella, Spain, in the next few days as they prepare for the new season.
Every discerning Ghost will hope that the Moroccan put his money where his mouth is from day one as they want to finally stop Sundowns dominance in the league.
