New coach, new challenges: Orlando Pirates struggle where Liverpool soared
Orlando Pirates face early challenges under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou (pictured) after losing their first two Betway Premiership matches, contrasting with Liverpool’s successful transition to Arne Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
It may be a tad early for judgement, but the alarm bells are certainly ringing on the Orlando Pirates ship, which has sprung a leak under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as they’ve lost their opening two matches in the Betway Premiership.
Last season, José Riveiro led Pirates to second in the league behind an unstoppable Mamelodi Sundowns, who were crowned champions.
Pirates, though, won a number of cup titles under Riveiro from 2022 to 2025, including three MTN8 titles in a row.
However, since Sundowns have won eight league titles in a row, now it was hoped Pirates could seriously challenge the Brazilians for the title.
Transitioning to Success: Arne Slot’s Premier League Triumph with Liverpool
Of course, the transition to a new coach can always be something of a challenge, but it can be done.
The best example of this in recent memory is that of Liverpool when the legendary Jürgen Klopp left and handed over to Arne Slot.
Slot would go on to win the Premier League in his first season in charge which was a phenomeal feat earlier this year. Admittedly, he had an extremely strong squad at his disposal, but success is more than just squad strength.
Slot was given overwhelming backing from the club and supporters. When it was first announced, who can forget Klopp singing a song in front of the Liverpool crowd about Slot?
If that’s not the ultimate vote of confidence, then I don’t know what is.
Riveiro’s Early Exit and Ouaddou’s Appointment: Pirates’ Coaching Transition and Future Concerns
Riveiro, meanwhile, left over a month before his contract was up as Pirates released the tactician early. That was to allow Riveiro time to sign his new contract with Al Ahly so he could lead the team in the post-season FIFA Club World Cup.
It would be weeks before Pirates even announced Ouaddou as the new coach by the club on June 23, and it would be difficult to imagine Riveiro waxing lyrical about his successor.
Like I said at the start, it is early to rush to judgement, but one has to wonder how many losses it might take before the club begins to panic about their choice of coach.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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