Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he was not brought to the club to ‘chill’ as expectations rise for a genuine league title challenge this season.
With Pirates finishing second in each of Jose Rivieiro’s three seasons at the club, there was talk of the ‘five-year’ plan, which the Moroccan is now taking over after the Spaniard departed for Al Ahly upon the expiry of his contract.
And with Pirates going big in the off-season for incoming transfers, with Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli among the major signings, there’s excitement that they could now finally end the stranglehold over Mamelodi Sundowns on the league title.
“It’s positive pressure, I must say, when you put your feet in such a big club, not only in South Africa, but on the continent, of course, the board doesn’t bring you here to chill, I know the expectation of the fans, of the board,” Ouaddou said.
“I will do my best to try to reach these targets, the players know as well, they have done a good job over the last three years, so let’s keep going, we have a big challenge this season.”
Pirates open their season at Orlando Stadium this weekend against Sekhukhune United, who finished fourth in the league last term.
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