Ouaddou sets new Orlando Pirates record with 17-match away unbeaten run

Abdeslam Ouaddou has become the first Orlando Pirates manager to oversee 17 consecutive away matches without defeat, surpassing the club record previously held by Ruud Krol.

The Moroccan coach reached the landmark as Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final. The result extended an exceptional run on the road and established Ouaddou’s team as one of the most effective away sides in South African football.

Pirates have won 13 and drawn four of their past 17 away matches, remaining unbeaten throughout the sequence. Their last defeat away from home came against St Eloi Lupopo in October 2025.

Krol’s record of 16 successive away games without defeat had stood since his run ended in March 2011. It had remained the benchmark for more than 15 years before Ouaddou’s side moved beyond it.

The achievement is a significant marker of Ouaddou’s influence since taking charge of Orlando Pirates. Away victories are traditionally difficult to secure in South African football, where visiting teams must contend with hostile atmospheres, demanding travel and challenging playing conditions.

Pirates, however, have consistently produced results in opposition territory under the Moroccan. Their record of 13 wins in 17 away matches represents a 76% victory rate, an outstanding return regardless of the competition.

The four draws mean the Buccaneers have collected 43 points from a possible 51 during the unbeaten sequence. Such a haul is the type of away form generally associated with teams capable of competing for major honours.

Ouaddou’s wider record at Orlando Pirates provides further evidence of the scale of his impact. Across 49 matches in all competitions, he has recorded 35 victories, eight draws and five defeats. That gives him a stated win percentage of 71.4%.

His league record also includes an average of 2.37 points per game, figures that underline the consistency of the team during his tenure.

The five defeats recorded during almost 50 matches account for just 10.2% of Ouaddou’s games in charge. In practical terms, Pirates have lost only once every 10 matches under his management, a record that reflects both his tactical approach and the squad’s ability to maintain high standards over an extended period.

The new away record adds another achievement to a rapidly developing spell for Ouaddou at Orlando Pirates. The victory over Sekhukhune United not only gave Pirates the advantage in the MTN8 semi-final first leg but also ensured that the club’s latest benchmark would carry his name.

For now, the Buccaneers’ unbeaten sequence on their travels stands at 17 matches, with 13 wins, four draws and no defeats. Krol’s long-standing mark has been overtaken, and Ouaddou’s side have set a new standard for away consistency at Orlando Pirates.