Orlando Pirates’ decision to put their faith in Ouaddou has turned into one of the most successful coaching appointments in recent South African football history.
In his first season at the helm, the Moroccan coach guided the Buccaneers to the Betway Premiership title, ending the club’s 14-year wait for league glory. Pirates went on to complete a historic domestic treble after also lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies.
Ouaddou’s remarkable campaign earned him widespread recognition, including the South Africa Coach of the Season award. French football publication L’Équipe also highlighted the significance of his achievement after he led Pirates to an unprecedented domestic treble.
However, his success is particularly intriguing given that Kaizer Chiefs were reportedly among the clubs who considered him before ultimately taking their coaching appointment in another direction.
Pirates, meanwhile, opted to place their trust in Ouaddou — a decision that has spectacularly paid off.
Reflecting on his journey, the Moroccan coach made it clear that he has no regrets about how things unfolded.
“Now I’m happy and coaching the best team in SA,” he said.
Those words carry significant weight after what Ouaddou achieved in his debut campaign.
The coach was faced with the enormous task of adapting quickly to the expectations of one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Rather than taking years to establish himself, he immediately delivered silverware on multiple fronts.
The demands of the treble-winning campaign eventually took their toll, with Ouaddou admitting that he was fatigued after an exhausting season.
There were initially questions about whether he would continue with Pirates, but the coach later confirmed that he would return for another campaign after taking time to recharge.
With the Buccaneers now preparing for another season, Ouaddou will be expected to build on an extraordinary debut campaign and prove that his success was more than a one-season wonder.
For now, though, Pirates can look back on their decision to back the Moroccan coach as a gamble that could hardly have worked out better.
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