Could title-winning coach Ouaddou be on his way out of Orlando Pirates?

Orlando Pirates won their first league title in 14 years
Orlando Pirates won their first league title in 14 yearsOrlando Pirates

Title-winning coach Abdeslam Ouaddou refused to confirm he will remain coach of Orlando Pirates next season, hinting he may exit the Soweto club despite winning three trophies in the 2025/26 campaign.

Pirates were crowned league champions for the first time in 14 years on Saturday when they beat Orbit College 2-0 at Mbombela Stadium, at the same time relegating the latter.

It is a moment of triumph for Moroccan Ouaddou, but at the same time he admitted he could leave the club.

“I work with passion, I work with love and it’s difficult to lead such a big team like Orlando Pirates. It was a very difficult season and I’m tired, I’m very, very tired,” he said.

“I will sit and I will think, sit down with my management as well. I’m tired. We’ll speak about next season, about what can happen.

“I need energy, I need power. Without energy, it will be difficult to continue. I’m speaking with emotions. It was a long season with lots of pressure.”

At the same time, he hailed the achievement of bringing the league title to Pirates after such a long wait, edging what had looked like an invincible Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point.

“I think they (the fans) have been waiting for a long time, 14 years, it's a lot. And I think we have to give credit to our boys today, who fought for them, to make them happy,” he said.

“So I have a thought for all the lovers of Pirates in all of South Africa. They've been fantastic all this season, supporting us. It was not an easy season, you know, but credit has to be given to the boys, to the club.

“And for me, I'm a happy man, I'm a happy man today to bring joy to millions of people here, I think they deserve it.”

Pirates also claimed the MTN8 and Carling Knockout titles this season.

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