Last season, Orlando Pirates won their first seven league games, and this season, they have lost their first two. And the Buccaneers’ next league fixture suggests they may encounter more battles for points, facing Stellenbosch at home on 20 August. All eyes are on new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who dropped star player Relebohile Mofokeng to the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. As if that was not enough, midfielder Sipho Mbule was also benched,…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Sipho Mbule to fully focus on his career and live up to expectations. Mbule, 27, has been handed a one-year contract with an option for a further two years by the Soweto club. Bucs’ short-term deal could be interpreted as their concern over Mbule’s lifestyle off the field, which is well-documented, particularly issues related to alcohol. Ouaddou, however, has thrown his weight behind the former SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sekhukhune United midfielder,…

New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is well aware his coaching career is under scrutiny after joining the Buccaneers. Ouaddou, who hails from Morocco, has been coaching for about five years, and he is yet to win a trophy in his career. He has been at Mouloudia Oujda (Morocco), AS Vita (DR Congo), and Marumo Gallants (South Africa), amongst others. The Pirates job is arguably his biggest challenge in his young career, and despite the fact that he…

Orlando Pirates have named their new Head Coach ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season. The Buccaneers have confirmed the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is in fact a familiar face. Recently, Ouaddou was in the news when he parted ways with Marumo Gallants, after a few months in charge. “Ouaddou takes over the reins ahead of the new season, replacing Jose Riveiro at the helm following his decision to step down to join Al Ahly, after a…