Divided response to new Bucs coach

Orlando Pirates fans are conflicted over the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new head coach.

The 46-year-old former Marumo Gallants coach succeeds Jose Riviero at the Soweto giants, who left the club before his contract ran out last season.

The Moroccan-born Ouaddou will have big shoes to fill as Riviero won three MTN8 titles in a row and two Nedbank Cup crowns.

🚨𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒🚨

Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as Head Coach.

Read More : https://t.co/HJq4vf8pzP

𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦 !

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/R5pXBYjGhW

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 23, 2025

There had been speculations over who would take over the reigns, with the likes of former Mamelodi Sundowns and recently Wydad Casablaca coach, Rhulani Mokwena, tipped as Riviero’s successor.

Ouaddou was at the helm at Marumo Gallants last season and was in charge of 12 matches, five of which ended in victory and drew four game whilst losing three matches.

Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, Tyron Damons will be assisting the 46-year-old, who is set to land in South Africa this week, ahead of the Buccaneers pre-season tour – which will officially kick off on June 27.

Pirates will head to Marbella, Spain, with the training camp set to run from July 8 to July 20. They will be gearing up to play against Bolton Wanderers (England), Pafos FC (Cyprus), Las Palmas (Spain), and Granada (Spain).

While some fans are optimistic about the appointment, others aren’t sure.

If people remember his post match interview after Bucs beat Gallants 1-0. The man said he supports Orlando Pirates and that he’s been following the team for a long time. I knew right there and then that the guy is marketing himself. He must bring Msendami on board 😂😂 https://t.co/9wykTj8Frt

— Diamanté (@_reekee) June 23, 2025

The reaction of Orlando Pirates fans after the announcement of their new coach, welcome Abdusalam Oaaddou pic.twitter.com/kM8T8oFbK5

— Phillip Muwanwa (@PMuwanwa) June 23, 2025

Orlando pirates doesn’t take their fans serious!

— HoLy (@LufunoMshaba) June 23, 2025

Rulani fans are not Orlando Pirates fans people that are saying they are no longer fans of Orlando Pirates are not fans of the club. They must follow Rulani be free agents with him when he doesn’t have a club. Stop announcing that you not a fan of the club anymore no one cares.

— BRIAN 🪖 (@BrianGMakhanya) June 23, 2025

There’s no real Orlando Pirates supporter who’s leaving, people were just surprised and annoyed with high emotions. https://t.co/iRRYs7yWBU

— Hashtag Inkunz’Esimancushe (@Hashtag_Sbonelo) June 23, 2025

we we will support the coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

my requirements⏳

1st season: win any trophy & get us minimum 60 points

2nd season: League or death!! pic.twitter.com/0r661E3rFU

— orlando pirates 🏴‍☠️ (@khedsmann) June 23, 2025

Orlando pirates fans feel the pain we felt when chiefs appointed molefi ntseki😂😂😂

— Kent tactics (@TacticsKent) June 23, 2025

Marumo Gallants played good football under Ouaddou, their matches were interesting to watch. I trust and believe he will do very well at Orlando Pirates, the project started by Jose will continue… #OnceAlways

— ISHMAEL 🏴‍☠️☠️🇿🇦🇨🇩🇵🇸 (@mr_shimmy) June 23, 2025