Vilakazi: Ouaddou is the right choice for Orlando Pirates

Photo Credit – Orlando Pirates Football Club.

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has welcomed the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou to lead the Betway Premiership club, saying he is the right replacement for Jose Riveiro, who left the role to join Al Ahly of Egypt.

The Buccaneers have confirmed the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants tactician. He will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons.

“Look, he did very well at Marumo Gallants, they [Pirates supporters] just have to give him the support and confidence to say we believe in you, and we saw the job you did at Gallants and hope you will do it here at Pirates,” Vilakazi told Sowetan.

“He is a good coach, looking at what he did with Gallants. He didn’t even have a pre-season with them. We always know Gallants to be fighting for relegation, but he put them in a position where they didn’t have to worry about that. Just imagine with the material and resources at Pirates, I think he can take the club to another level.”

Vilakazi added: “He has an opportunity to create his history because he will find good players at Pirates. I think he is going to do well, we just need to give him time, and I think it is good that he will have a pre-season with the team, unlike at Gallants, yet he still put them in a good position. Imagine with the good players Pirates have … I think things will be better.”

Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a manager. A former Moroccan international, Ouaddou earned 68 caps for the Atlas Lions and enjoyed a distinguished playing career across several top European leagues.