Ouaddou says Pirates’ scouting department leads transfer plans

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says player recruitment is not part of his role, with the club’s scouting department responsible for identifying potential signings as questions continue over the need for a new striker.

The Moroccan-born coach has regularly called on his forwards to be more clinical, despite Pirates scoring 39 goals in all competitions this season. Only Mamelodi Sundowns have scored more, with one additional goal.

Ouaddou has continued to change his attacking line-up as he searches for the most effective combination. Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane have all been given opportunities, while Sifiso Luthuli made his debut against Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

The issue of whether Pirates should add another striker was raised after the club reached the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. Ouaddou, however, said decisions over recruitment belonged to a separate part of the club.

“The club has a very good scouting department. They know exactly what they’re looking for in terms of the identity of the club and in terms of how we want to play. It’s not a secret for anybody,” he said.

Ouaddou also made clear that he is not directly involved in the process of bringing players to Mayfair, saying his responsibility is to coach the squad already available to him.

“I’m here to coach, not to scout the players. I have the players that I have and I play with the players that I have. It’s not part of my duty to scout players, it’s not in my contract. The club has a department for that,” he explained.

The Pirates coach acknowledged that he has a wide network across Africa, but said that does not mean he personally arranges transfers for the club.

“I do, of course, have a big network in Africa, but I don’t bring anyone here,” he added.

His comments provide an insight into how responsibilities are divided at Orlando Pirates, with recruitment handled by a dedicated scouting department rather than the head coach.

With the January transfer window approaching, the club’s approach to strengthening its attack may come under closer scrutiny if its poor finishing continues to affect an otherwise productive campaign.