Ouaddou hails Riveiro blueprint after Orlando Pirates land Betway Premiership title

Abdeslam Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates’ 2025-26 Betway Premiership triumph was the culmination of a five-year project first put in place by former head coach Jose Riveiro.

The Pirates boss, who has been named Coach of the Season, stressed that the foundations for the title had been laid well before his arrival and credited Riveiro with initiating the long-term plan that has now delivered the league crown.

Ouaddou, a former Morocco international defender, explained that the success was not the result of a single campaign, but of a clear timeline mapped out by the club hierarchy and previous technical team.

“It was a five-year plan for the club you know how the club is working. So it was a continuation of what the previous coach did. He did a great job,” he said, underlining that he sees himself as building on, rather than replacing, Riveiro’s work.

Title chase ‘not easy’ amid growing scrutiny

Reflecting on a season in which Pirates finally secured a league title they had pursued for years, Ouaddou admitted the campaign had severely tested his squad.

“It was a fantastic moment for us. Orlando Pirates were chasing this title for a long time. It was not easy – we faced a lot of difficulties during the season,” he told reporters.

“We were excited and working to win it, but at some point in the middle of the season, a lot of opponents were challenging us, studying our game plan.”

Despite that growing tactical scrutiny from rival clubs, Ouaddou said the players and staff never lost belief in their ability to finish the job.

“It was not easy, but with the work of the players, the belief, the support of our fans and management, we always believed we could go through. It’s a really good moment for us,” he added.

Competitive future expected

While enjoying the club’s latest success, Ouaddou was quick to switch focus towards the new campaign, predicting a fiercely contested Betway Premiership season ahead.

“But it’s another season now. I think a lot of coaches are ready to compete. It will be a really fantastic and exciting season,” he said, suggesting that Pirates’ rivals are improving and preparing to challenge their dominance.

The coach indicated that the long-term planning approach that underpinned the title win will remain central to Pirates’ strategy, even as the club prepares for increased competition domestically.

‘Fantastic ecosystem’ at Pirates

Ouaddou also highlighted the broader environment around the club and the league as a key factor in allowing him to impose his ideas quickly and effectively.

“I was just hearing the partners and stakeholders of this league, it’s fantastic for us as coaches. When you come into a fantastic ecosystem, a fantastic league, it’s easier to implement our ideas, our game plan,” he said.

Having coached across Africa for several years, Ouaddou drew a clear contrast with his previous roles.

“I’ve worked on the continent for six years, and it’s the first time I’m truly enjoying how I’m working with the people here,” he explained.

He emphasised that the support structures at Orlando Pirates have been particularly important in enabling the technical team to perform at their best.

“The well-being of the players, the staff the people here give us the possibility to do our job and sometimes make it easier. It’s a lot easier at Pirates,” Ouaddou concluded.

The title, built on Riveiro’s initial vision and completed under Ouaddou’s guidance, confirms Pirates’ return to the top of the South African game and sets the stage for what their coach expects to be an even more competitive defence of their crown next season.