Ouaddou Shares Reason Behind MTN8 Dedication to Xoki and Pirates Keeper Coach

• Abdeslam Ouaddou dedicated the Orlando Pirates' victory in the MTN8 final to Bafana Bafana defender Thapelo Xoki and the club's goalkeeper coach
• The Moroccan coach was criticised at the start of his role at Pirates after back-to-back losses in the Betway Premiership
• The title was Pirates' fourth consecutive win, with last season's final also being against Stellenbosch FC

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he dedicated the Buccaneers' triumph in the MTN8 to Thapelo Xoki and the club’s goalkeeper coach.

The Soweto giants set a new record by winning the competition for the fourth successive season after defeating Stellenbosch FC in the final on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

The match was a close encounter as the Sea Robbers needed extra time before they could get past the Stellies. A brace from summer signing Tshepang Moremi and a lone strike from Tshegofatso Mabasa, handing Pirates their 14th MTN8 title.

Read also

Pirates coach Ouaddou told there’s more to achieve despite winning MTN8 title

Ouaddou on dedicating MTN8 to Xoki

Ouaddou paid tribute to all those affected by the recent car accident, making special mention of standout defender Thapelo Xoki.

Having survived the crash himself, Ouaddou extended a heartfelt tribute to his backroom staff, with special praise for goalkeeper coach Tyrone Damons, who is bravely continuing his recovery.

In an interview after the game, Ouaddou told SuperSport TV he was delighted with the club, the supporters, and his players, while also expressing gratitude to his South African backroom staff.

He dedicated the triumph to goalkeeper coach Tyrone, who was recovering at home after being involved in a recent accident.

“So, I’m very happy for the club, for the fans and players as well and thank my South African staff for this title, and I would like to dedicate this victory to the goalkeeper coach, Tyrone, who was in an accident and is watching us at home,” he said.

Read also

Barker states reasons behind Stellenbosch’s MTN8 final defeat to Orlando Pirates

The former Marumo Gallants coach added that the win was also for defender Thapelo Xoki and team manager Kabunda, who, along with Tyrone, were involved in the frightening incident just two weeks earlier.

Ouaddou admitted the accident could have ended tragically and said he was thankful to God for protecting them.

Concluding his remarks, the coach said the title was even more meaningful because he could celebrate it with the fans, his squad, and the wider South African football community.

Orlando Pirates will now switch focus to the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League after securing their first title of the season. The Soweto giants' next match would be in the CAF Champions League, and it would be against Lioli FC.

Ouaddou hits back at critics

Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou has hit back at those criticising early in the season after winning his first title as an Orlando Pirates coach this weekend.

Read also

Pirates urged to cash in on Relebohile Mofokeng before transfer deadline

The former Moroccan international lost his first two games in the league and was called different names by fans on social media.

Despite the criticism, the former Marumo Gallants mentor remained humble in his reply.

Source: Briefly News