Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates recruitment is beyond his remit despite extensive African network

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is not responsible for identifying new players, despite having an extensive network across Africa.

Ouaddou was speaking after Pirates’ 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The coach was asked whether the club’s involvement in the Champions League could help its coaching and scouting staff find a prolific striker, particularly in West Africa, who could provide a regular supply of goals.

Pirates have been competing on several fronts this season, meaning their continental campaign has taken them to different parts of Africa and potentially exposed them to players from across the region.

However, Ouaddou stressed that recruitment is handled by a specialist department within the club, rather than by him personally.

“Look, I think the club has a very good scouting department. They know exactly what they are looking for, about the identity of the club and the way they want to play. It’s not a secret for anybody,” Ouaddou told journalists.

“I’m here to coach and I’m not here to scout the players. I have the players in my possession that I have, and I play with the players that I have. Unfortunately, it’s not part of my duty, let’s say it like that.

“It’s not part of my contract to look for the players. It’s another department, and the club has its department to look for the players.”

Although he distanced himself from the formal recruitment process, the Moroccan coach said his experience in African football had enabled him to establish a wide network on the continent.

“But of course, if you’re telling me about that, I have a big, big, big network in Africa, of course. But I don’t bring them here,” he added.

The victory over Sekhukhune United secured Pirates’ progress to the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.

They will face Stellenbosch FC in the last four after the FIFA international break, with the Buccaneers scheduled to play the match away from home.