Abdeslam Ouaddou showing a slow but steady hand as he guides Orlando Pirates' ship through

Orlando Pirates’ faith in Abdeslam Ouaddou is starting to bloom. After a rocky start, the team’s rhythm has returned, quietly vindicating the trust placed in him ahead of this campaign.

Following their 2-0 win against TS Galaxy, the Bucaneers have now moved to 15 points after seven matches, having secured five consecutive wins in their last five league outings.

Ouaddou’s arrival was met with intense scrutiny before he even had a chance to breathe. Opening the league with defeats to Sekhukhune United (1-0) and Marumo Gallants (2-1), he immediately felt the weight of expectation pressing down.

Before his arrival, Pirates had soared the previous season. Even with just one trophy—the MTN8—the bar was set high. Stepping into the space left by Jose Riveiro, the Moroccan coach needed to carve his own path—honouring the past while crafting a style and spirit that could belong to him alone.

It was never going to be easy. More than 10 new players joined the squad before the season began. The lack of depth that had troubled the club in previous campaigns added to the pressure, as much depended on how quickly he could get the new faces and the engine running.

From the onset Ouaddou has not shied away from the challenge. By leaning on what had worked under Riveiro, while gradually weaving in his own tactical touches, he has steadily built stability.

His responsiveness and ability to adjust in real time has been evident, particularly as he reintegrated experienced players into the starting lineup after opening the season heavily with newcomers. This balance between fresh energy and trusted heads has allowed the team to find fluidity and confidence.

His squad rotation has been precise so far, giving key players rest without sacrificing sharpness—a challenge many coaches fail to master especially early in their tenure.

The MTN8 triumph was the biggest turning point for himself and the club in their new journey, relieving pressure and rallying fans behind the change.

Notably, the two-leg victory over Mamelodi Sundowns—Pirates won 4-1 on penalties after both teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate—reinforced the Sea Robbers’ belief as they went undefeated against the country’s best side.

In retrospect, the early setbacks could have been a blessing in disguise. They gave Ouaddou a chance to evaluate his options, understand squad dynamics, and adapt his approach, all while preserving the foundation he inherited.

Equally impressive has been his fearlessness in giving young players a chance, a philosophy made famous by Riveiro, who trusted talents from the Dstv Diski Challenge.

Those decisions have paid off, seen in the growth of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who continues to wear the captain's armband in the absence of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, forming a formidable partnership with Lebone Seema.

The Sea Robbers were close to being a finished product last season, and the biggest mistake any new coach could have made would have been to overhaul everything immediately.

By adding his own fine touches and demonstrating brilliant tactical acumen, Ouaddou is shaping the Bucaneers into a team that could be the one to beat this season.