Orlando Pirates: Ouaddou Makes PSL History With New Record

For the first time in the PSL era, a Pirates coach who won the league title will remain in charge for the new season. It is an important move for a club that has traditionally parted ways with title-winning coaches despite their success.

Orlando Pirates’ League-Winning Coaches in the PSL Era

Since the establishment of the PSL in 1996, Pirates have won the league titles five times under these handful of coaches:

Gordon Igesund (2000/01)

Gordon Igesund led Pirates to the 2000/01 PSL title, ending the club’s wait for league glory. Despite the success, he left the club shortly after winning the championship.

Roy Barreto (2002/03)

The late Roy Barreto delivered another league title for the Sea Robbers during the 2002/03 season. However, like his predecessor, his tenure following the championship was relatively short.

Ruud Krol (2010/11)

The Dutch coach Ruud Krol, who spent three years at the club, restored Pirates to the summit of South African football by winning the 2010/11 league title. He didn’t just win the league title, but he won the treble in that season. Although he enjoyed tremendous success, he departed after the season.

Augusto Palacios (2011/12)

Club legend Augusto Palacios stepped in following the departure of Krol and guided Pirates to back-to-back league championships in 2011/12. Despite winning consecutive titles, he also did not continue as head coach beyond his successful spell.

Abdeslam Ouaddou (2025/26)

Ouaddou not only ended Pirates’ 14-year league drought but also became the first league-winning coach in the PSL era to be retained for the following season. The decision shows a new era of continuity and ambition at the club.

Ouaddou Breaks a Long-Standing Trend

In his first stint with the Soweto giants, Ouaddou didn’t only end Pirates’ 14-year wait for a league title, the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. He also won the treble after winning the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout at the start of the previous season. However, the Moroccan tactician revealed that he had considered resigning from the club, but Pirates’ management convinced him to stay. 

Ouaddou stated that he was physically and mentally drained by the demands of leading one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. The 47-year-old mentor will now be looking to defend the league title and try to win the CAF Champions League with the Buccaneers.

A New Era of Stability?

Pirates have been known for changing coaches after winning the league title. But the Ghosts have now decided to prioritise continuity over constant change.

With the league trophy back in Mayfair and CAF Champions League football on the horizon, Pirates supporters will hope stability on the bench translates into sustained success on the pitch. If Ouaddou can build on his title-winning campaign, he has the opportunity to establish one of the most successful coaching eras in Orlando Pirates’ modern history.