South African professional football club Orlando Pirates announced on Monday the appointment of former Moroccan international Abdeslam Ouaddou as their new Head Coach. Ouaddou takes over from José Riveiro, who stepped down after a successful three-year spell to join Al Ahly, the club said in a statement published on its website. Coach Ouaddou is expected to arrive in South Africa by the end of the week and will be assisted by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons, the club added. Pre-season preparations are set to officially begin on June 27. The 46-year-old former Moroccan international earned 68 caps for the Atlas Lions and enjoyed a notable playing career in top European leagues. As a coach, he most recently led South Africa's Marumo Gallants and previously managed AS Vita Club, Loto-Popo FC, and Mouloudia d'Oujda. He also served as assistant coach for Algeria's national team and held youth and assistant coaching roles at AS Nancy-Lorraine in France.
