Ouaddou backs African coaching talent as he begins new era with Orlando Pirates

Abdeslam Ouaddou is an African through and through — and he firmly believes that African-born coaches have the competencies to lead the continent’s biggest football teams.

Ouaddou is the new head coach of Orlando Pirates, the South African giants who famously won the country’s first CAF Champions League title in 1995. As such, expectations are high for him to awaken a sleeping giant, and to deliver domestic and continental success for the first time in 13 and 31 years respectively.

The 46-year-old Moroccan, who earned 68 caps for his national team during his playing career, says he is ready for the challenge.

Although he was largely unknown in local coaching circles before a recent stint at Marumo Gallants, many assumed he would bring his own trusted lieutenants to Pirates. Instead, he has embraced the technical team provided by the club — Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons.

Speaking to Pirates TV, Ouaddou explained his decision.

“A lot of people may be asking, ‘Why did he come alone?’ Of course, I have staff that I work with — maybe five or six people,” said Ouaddou.

“But I came to Marumo alone, and here as well. I deeply believe in African competencies, and in South Africa we have them. There are big universities, sports universities, and people with proper coaching qualifications.

If I bring my own people, what message am I sending as an African?

"That we are not competent?

“If we take the time to properly profile the right people, you can find the competencies on our continent.”

Ouaddou cited successful African-born coaches Djamel Belmadi (Algeria) and Aliou Cissé (Senegal), both of whom led their nations to Africa Cup of Nations titles, as further proof of local excellence.

“Some African coaches have won the AFCON — I can tell you about Belmadi and Cissé. So I believe in competencies. It’s very important,” he added.

“I’m happy to work with the people already at the club. They have a legacy, and perhaps that can help us grow quicker.”

However, Ouaddou is not naïve about the challenges that lie ahead. With a relatively new technical team and squad, he knows adaptation will be key.

“I’ve come into a family, and a big institution. Of course, I have to integrate myself,” he said.

“I am the head coach, so I have to use the competencies here — it’s very important. But I also need help.

“At the same time, it can be dangerous. I’m not crazy — sometimes it can be bumpy if people don’t give you the right space to help. So, I believe in trust and respect.

"As long as we have those values, we can work together. I think we have a lot of competencies at the club.”

Pirates have backed their new coach by bolstering the squad with nine new signings — among them, highly-rated talents Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. Mbule, though previously hampered by disciplinary issues, is seen as one of the league’s most gifted midfielders.

Ouaddou also underlined the importance of youth development, and praised recent efforts in the South African football ecosystem.

“I want to congratulate all the stakeholders — clubs in the PSL and the federations — who are focused on the development of youth,” he said.

“If you look at players in many African national teams, you’ll see that 80% to 90% of them were developed abroad. But with Bafana Bafana, most of the players come from the local league,” he concluded.