Abdeslam Ouaddou’s arrival details emerge at Orlando Pirates

Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates media.

Orlando Pirates FC announced the appointment of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou last week. However, the Moroccan is yet to start his job officially with the Soweto giants.

Pan-Africa Football has since gathered from the Buccaneers that the former Marumo Gallants’ boss' arrival in Johannesburg is now just a matter of hours. The rest of the squad has regrouped ahead of pre-season training in Spain.

Now with the Buccaneers' squad, including new signings returning for medical tests, the club has disclosed the Moroccan's arrival.

"While for the next two days, focus will be on integration and assessments, the real work begins next week [this week], when the head coach and his technical staff will take the reins for the formal start of the football side of preseason," the club’s official website stated last week.

This statement suggests that Ouaddou will arrive any time this week. The former Gallants man was the Buccaneers' surprise appointment for the coaching job.

Contrary to media reports that had suggested that Rulani Mokwena was earmarked for the post, Pirates management thought otherwise. The ex-AS Vita Club coach has stepped in the role previously held by Jose Riveiro, who departed to join Al Ahly after a successful three-year tenure with the Buccaneers.

Ouaddou's backroom staff comprises Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons.

The Soweto giants are heading to Marbella, Spain for the training camp scheduled from July 8 to July 20. The pre-season games will feature European clubs including Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain).