Why Orlando Pirates Are Performing Better This Season Despite Poor Start Under Abdeslam Ouaddou

• Orlando Pirates' turnaround under Abdeslam Ouaddou in the first half of the 2025-26 season has been analysed
• The French-Moroccan manager has been hailed for his achievement with the Buccaneers since joining them in the summer
• A football analyst in an exclusive interview with Briefly News has shared his thoughts on the reason behind the Sea Robbers' success this campaign

Orlando Pirates have been the best team in the Premier Soccer League this season, despite starting slowly under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The Moroccan tactician was named the Sea Robbers coach at the beginning of the season, coming in as the replacement for Jose Riveiro, who left the club for Al Ahly.

The former Marumo Gallants coach started poorly in the Betway Premiership and was also knocked out of the CAF Champions League, but they've pulled a comeback after that.

Ouaddou's record with Pirates this season

Ouaddou has done remarkable things that other managers have failed to do for Orlando Pirates this season. The Moroccan coach has led the Sea Robbers to three domestic titles this campaign.

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The Soweto giants' first major success under the former Fulham midfielder was in the MTN8 competition, where he led them to victory over Stellenbosch FC in the final.

Pirates missed out on the Carling Knockout Cup last season, but he guided them to a narrow victory over his former club, Marumo Gallants, in this campaign's final.

Despite the absence of several first-team players, Ouaddou managed to end the Carling All Stars' dominance in the Black Label Cup final, as the Buccaneers won their third domestic title this season.

In the Betway Premiership, Pirates are top of the league standings with 28 points, two more than the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, and also have one outstanding match.

Why Pirates are performing better this season

Football analyst Uche Anuma has shared his thoughts with Briefly News on why Orlando Pirates are doing well this season under Ouaddou after starting poorly.

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"The major reason Pirates are doing well this season, even if most might not agree with me, is because of their early exit from the CAF Champions League," he said.

"The team's being knocked out of the continental football helped them focus more on domestic competitions, and the results have been positive since then.

"They are not travelling outside the shores of South Africa anymore this season, compared to Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, both of whom are playing in the group stage in their respective continental tournaments.

"You can't also take away the brilliance of Ouaddou since the poor start, he has been amazing in fixing the club's tactical approach, since early defeats in the Betway Premiership and their unfortunate loss against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League."

Anuma also aired his opinion concerning Ouaddou's chances of ending the Soweto-based club's drought in the league, while also putting a stop to Sundowns dominance for the past eight campaigns.

"I think Ouaddou is on a good course of ending Sundowns dominance in the league this season, and he's made Pirates a formidable side that's not easy to beat," he added.

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"The match against the Tshwane Outfits in the league showcased why the Betway Premiership title might have a new home this season.

"Ouaddou's best wish now is that his team is not disrupted by the mid-break due to the Africa Cup of Nations when the second half of the season resumes."

Sundowns sign Bafana star from Pirates

Briefly News also reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have signed a Bafana Bafana forward from Orlando Pirates this January.

The Betway Premiership defending champions added more firepower to their attacking line as they hope to challenge the Sea Robbers for the title in the second half of the season.

Source: Briefly News