Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says player recruitment is not his responsibility

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club’s recruitment structure is clearly defined and that he has no role in identifying or signing players for his squad.

Ouaddou has established himself as one of the leading coaches on the continent since moving to Pirates from Marumo Gallants. He has enjoyed a highly successful spell in charge, winning three trophies and ending the club’s 14-year wait for a league title.

The start to this season has also been impressive, although questions remain over whether Pirates have a clinical striker capable of helping them progress to the next level.

Ouaddou was asked whether the CAF Champions League could provide an opportunity to identify a forward who might strengthen the team. The coach made it clear that scouting and recruitment are handled by another department at the club.

“Look I think – the club has a very good scouting department, they know exactly what they are looking [for], they identity of the club, the way they want to play, and it’s no secret to anybody, I’m here to coach,” Ouaddou said.

“I’m not here to scout players, I have the players I have and I play with the players I have – unfortunately it’s not part of my duty, it’s not part of my contract to look for players, it’s another department in the club to scout players. I have a big network in Africa, of course, but I don’t bring them here.”

The comments underline the separate responsibilities within the club, with Ouaddou focused on coaching the players already available to him rather than searching for potential additions.

His remarks come after Pirates’ strong run under his management, which has brought domestic silverware and the long-awaited league success. Despite his contacts across African football, he says those connections do not form part of the club’s recruitment process.

Pirates will now enter the FIFA International break, which lasts for the next two and a half weeks.

They will return to action with a CAF Champions League group stage fixture against Simba SC. The Tanzanian club are led by South African coach Steve Barker.

The match will be Pirates’ opening game in the group stage, following a season in which Ouaddou has already guided the club to three trophies and renewed expectations around their prospects in domestic and continental competition.