Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou stands on the brink of etching his name into the Premier Soccer League record books, needing just two more victories to become the first manager ever to secure a domestic treble in his debut season. Having already captured the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup, the Moroccan tactician is now within touching distance of the league title. This achievement would surpass the legendary Ruud Krol, who delivered a treble for the Buccaneers back in 2011, and more pointedly, eclipse the tenure of his immediate predecessor, Jose Riveiro. Though the Spanish coach departed last May with five trophies from three seasons, he famously never won the league crown, a prize the club has long craved.
Ouaddou’s arrival was met with skepticism from supporters who viewed him as a downgrade following Riveiro’s success. A shaky start did little to silence the critics, but the former Fulham defender has steadily rebuilt trust. However, the path to history has not been without its obstacles. A concerning dip in form after the AFCON break saw Pirates surrender their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table, allowing doubt to creep in from outside the camp. Despite this, Ouaddou has remained resolute, urging calm and focus as the season reaches its climax.
“As long as mathematically you can reach this target, you just have to play,” Ouaddou said, addressing the narrative that the title had slipped away. He emphasized that his squad has simply kept working in silence, hiding in their preparation while others speculated. With two league matches remaining, the message from the Pirates camp is clear: everything remains possible. For Ouaddou, winning the league would not only rewrite the history books but cement his legacy as the man who delivered the trophy that eluded his celebrated predecessor.