Why Ouaddou can’t wait for Orlando Pirates to get started

Orlando Pirates FC’s new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has explained why he cannot wait for his South African top-flight league team to play in front of their fans in Johannesburg.

The Moroccan expressed this desire after being impressed with the progress of his new-look squad which beat Granada CF 2-0 in Spain on Saturday.

Ouaddou’s first victory in charge of Pirates saw them wind up the first leg of their preparations on a positive note after three winless matches.

Pirates started their adventure of Marbella in Spain with a 2-0 loss to English side Bolton Wanderers before sharing the spoils at 1-1 with Cypriot side Pafos FC then 0-0 with La Liga opponents Las Palmas last Thursday.

Ouaddou has since said his players are now understanding better his playing philosophy and the team is gelling hence ready to play in front of their supporters.

“We tried with my staff to give them confidence to play, to train well and give effort to stay united,” the coach told Pirates media.

“Step-by-step, we finished this tour with a victory. I think it is good because it helps the guys in terms of confidence to end with victory.”

The former Marumo Gallants tactician highlighted how the Buccaneers have progressed step-by-step in terms of how to train, play and “go forward and to create chances.”

“So, it is a positive phase. We will give a rest to the players. We are very patient to go back to Johannesburg to play in front of our fans. They want to see this new team and we are patient to play in front of them,” he said.

Pirates owe Saturday’s victory over the second tier Spanish La Liga team of Spain to late goals from Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng.

The Soweto-based side will return to South Africa for the last phase of the pre-season training before kicking off the 2025/26 season with MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City.