Watch VideoOrlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou chases perfect gift for ‘the Ghost’

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has emphasised the importance of consistency and repaying the unwavering support of their fans ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final. Abdeslam Ouaddou is embracing the praise he’s been getting for steering the Sea Robbers’ ship into steady waters with humility, and he knows that to please ‘the Ghost’, they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. Ouaddou has been the best coach in domestic football since the season started.

He has led Orlando Pirates to the MTN8 crown, the Carling Knockout Cup final, and the top of the Betway Premiership log to date. It’s been a joyful time for the club, as the ‘Happy People’ – their fans – are truly living up to the moniker. Ouaddou isn’t getting carried away, thinking he’s silenced his critics who believed he wouldn’t seamlessly fill the void left by José Riveiro last season.

He’s going about his business with openness and gratitude, as he knows he couldn’t have done it alone were it not for the supporters, the players, and the technical staff. Ouaddou’s gratitude to the players and his backroom coaching staff also knows no bounds as he understands they’ve paved the way for him so that he can run and bring back smiles to the Ghost. “All these people are helping me to reach targets,” said Ouaddou ahead of their Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off).

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And given that it’s been a hectic schedule full of thrills and spills shortly after Pirates crashed out of the CAF Champions League group-stage qualifiers, Ouaddou added: “I think there’ll be time at the end of the season to judge (the campaign) better.” As Pirates continue their pursuit of the Carling Knockout – a trophy that has eluded them since the tournament’s rebranding three seasons ago – Ouaddou emphasised the importance of consistency and repaying the unwavering support of their fans. “But for now, there are games to play and win. Every game that we play, we play with the same character, pleasure, and commitment to deliver for our club and supporters,” he said.

And just as they’ve done in most games this season, including the MTN8 final, Pirates’ supporters are expected to dominate in Polokwane, reflecting the strong synergy between Ouaddou’s troops and their fans. With that, Ouaddou knows how special winning this competition would be for the supporters – who have also been actively involved in voting for their players to win the Player of the Match awards.

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