Treble-winning Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou uncertain about future

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has cast doubt over his future at the club after guiding the Buccaneers to a historic treble-winning season, admitting he is physically and mentally drained following a demanding campaign.

The Moroccan tactician led Pirates to their first league title in 14 years, sealing the championship with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. The triumph completed a remarkable domestic treble and ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ long-standing dominance of South African football.

Despite the celebrations, Ouaddou revealed after the match that he is not in a position to make any firm decisions about his future, insisting he needs time away from the pressure of management to recover and reflect.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the former Morocco international explained that his immediate priority is rest and family time after a relentless 10-month season.

“For now I cannot answer that question,” he said. “My only wish is to rest and be with my family, who are here. I want to thank them for their support throughout the job, and then think about the future. That is the most important thing for me right now.”

Ouaddou stressed that his concerns are not financial or contractual, but rather about the emotional and physical demands of leading a high-pressure project at a club of Pirates’ stature.

“This job is very difficult,” he continued. “You need energy, you need psychology, you need motivation to lead a project like this. I have to sit down, think, and speak with my management team who have been fantastic in supporting me.”

He added that the intensity of expectations at the club, combined with constant public scrutiny, has taken its toll.

“It’s not about money or a contract. It’s about energy. You need energy to continue. There are huge expectations from the fans,” he said.

“I speak now because I am tired. Ten months of nonstop work is a lot, and at the moment I am not able to talk about the future.”

The Pirates boss also reflected on the pressure that comes with modern football management, particularly the influence of social media criticism despite on-field success.

“We just won the treble, but I’m a passionate man who works with love,” he said. “I’ve been at the highest level as a player, so I’m not here for contracts or money. I do this out of passion, especially for African football.”

“But people sometimes judge very quickly. On social media, millions can judge you without seeing the work done during the week. That creates pressure, and you need energy to deal with it.”

Ouaddou’s comments leave Pirates fans uncertain about whether the architect of their historic season will remain in charge next term, as the club prepares for a new chapter after one of its most successful campaigns in recent history.