Ouaddou: Recruiting Pirates players is not part of my job
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says scouting and signing players is the club's recruitment department's job, not his, as the team prepares for its Champions League opener.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made it clear that he plays no part in identifying or recruiting players for the club, according to iDiski Times.
The coach was asked whether the CAF Champions League could be used this season to spot a player capable of taking the team to the next level. Ouaddou replied that this is not something he is contractually required to do.
Scouting is another department’s job
Ouaddou pointed to the club’s scouting department, saying it has a clear understanding of what it is looking for, as well as the identity of the club and the way it wants to play. “I’m not here to scout players,” he said.
He added that he works with the squad he has, and that “it’s not part of my contract to look for players”. According to the coach, that responsibility sits with another department at the club.
Ouaddou did say he has a big network in Africa, but he stressed that he does not bring those contacts to Pirates.
Strong run, but questions over a striker
Ouaddou joined Pirates from Marumo Gallants and has become one of the leading coaches on the continent. He has won three trophies with the Soweto side, including a league title that ended a 14-year wait for the club, earning praise in South Africa and beyond.
This season has also started well, although there have been question marks over whether Pirates have a clinical striker who can push them further. His comments suggest that any answer to that question will come from the club’s recruitment structures rather than from the coach himself.
What happens next
Pirates now enter the FIFA international break, which will last about two and a half weeks. They then return with their CAF Champions League group stage opener against Simba SC, who are coached by South African Steve Barker.
For supporters, that match is the next big fixture to look out for. The source did not give a date or kick-off time, so fans should check the club’s official channels for confirmed details.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
