Orlando Pirates' Abdeslam Ouaddou chases perfect gift for 'the Ghost'

Abdeslam Ouaddou is embracing the praise he’s been getting for steering the Sea Robbers’ ship into steady waters with humility, and he knows that to please ‘the Ghost’, they can’t afford to rest on their laurels.

Ouaddou has been the best coach in domestic football since the season started. He has led Orlando Pirates to the MTN8 crown, the Carling Knockout Cup final, and the top of the Betway Premiership log to date.

It’s been a joyful time for the club, as the ‘Happy People’ – their fans – are truly living up to the moniker. Ouaddou isn’t getting carried away, thinking he’s silenced his critics who believed he wouldn’t seamlessly fill the void left by José Riveiro last season. No!

He’s going about his business with openness and gratitude, as he knows he couldn’t have done it alone were it not for the supporters, the players, and the technical staff.

Ouaddou’s gratitude to the players and his backroom coaching staff also knows no bounds as he understands they’ve paved the way for him so that he can run and bring back smiles to the Ghost.

“All these people are helping me to reach targets,” said Ouaddou ahead of their Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off).

And given that it’s been a hectic schedule full of thrills and spills shortly after Pirates crashed out of the CAF Champions League group-stage qualifiers, Ouaddou added: “I think there’ll be time at the end of the season to judge (the campaign) better.”

As Pirates continue their pursuit of the Carling Knockout – a trophy that has eluded them since the tournament’s rebranding three seasons ago – Ouaddou emphasised the importance of consistency and repaying the unwavering support of their fans.

“But for now, there are games to play and win. Every game that we play, we play with the same character, pleasure, and commitment to deliver for our club and supporters,” he said.

And just as they’ve done in most games this season, including the MTN8 final, Pirates’ supporters are expected to dominate in Polokwane, reflecting the strong synergy between Ouaddou’s troops and their fans.

With that, Ouaddou knows how special winning this competition would be for the supporters – who have also been actively involved in voting for their players to win the Player of the Match awards.

“I think all the competitions and successes have their own values,” he said. “I think it’s a very important competition for us. Every match that we play, it’s with the target to win.

“We know that it’s a trophy the club has been chasing for years. It will be enjoyable and interesting to start the game with high ambition. It will be a wonderful gift for our fans. I heard that the stadium is already sold out.”

Gallants are expected to be happy for Pirates to dominate in terms of bums on seats and possession – but not the match itself.

After all, Ouaddou’s former employers are chasing their own piece of history. His predecessor, Alexandre Lafitte, is eyeing his maiden trophy at the club at his first attempt, and the club’s second in four seasons.

The youngest coach in the PSL (29) is looking to make his own history with the club, though he acknowledges it’s not entirely about him.

“I am very excited to play the final,” Lafitte said. “I am focused on helping the club and the team to win the trophy. It’s very important for me, the team, and the club. I want to respect Marumo Gallants on Saturday – and win the trophy.”

Though they’ve already claimed the scalps of big clubs – such as Mamelodi Sundowns – in the competition, Lafitte knows that facing Pirates will be a different task altogether.

“It’s a big challenge,” Lafitte said. “But when you are in the final and want to win the cup, then you need to beat a big team.

“But we’ve already eliminated Stellenbosch, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Golden Arrows. Pirates are a very good team, and important across Africa. But we remain concentrated on the tough task.”