Orlando Pirates Risk Stability as Sergio Dos Santos Warns Against Losing Abdeslam Ouaddou

Former coach Sergio Dos Santos has raised concerns over the future of Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, warning that the club could face a major setback if they lose him after a historic season. The warning comes shortly after Pirates secured the Betway Premiership title and completed a domestic treble, a rare achievement in South African football. Ouaddou’s impact has been widely praised, but uncertainty around his future has started to dominate discussions. Reports suggest the Moroccan coach has hinted at exhaustion, even though no official confirmation has come from him or the club. The situation has placed Pirates in a delicate position as they prepare for life after a breakthrough campaign.

Dos Santos believes Ouaddou’s influence has been transformative and says the coach changed the identity of the team in a short space of time. He explained that Pirates now function as a structured unit rather than a collection of individuals, which mirrors the level of organisation seen in top domestic sides. According to him, the shift in mentality has been one of the biggest differences since Ouaddou arrived. He pointed out that the team now plays with cohesion, discipline and balance across all areas of the pitch. This change has helped Pirates compete consistently and deliver results across multiple competitions.

The former coach also highlighted the tactical and physical demands placed on attacking players under Ouaddou’s system. He noted that players like Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng now contribute heavily even without possession of the ball. Their defensive work rate has increased significantly, showing a clear shift in team responsibility. Dos Santos said this evolution reflects a well-coached side that understands structure and collective effort. He credited Ouaddou for building a team that is both entertaining and disciplined at the same time.

Beyond tactics, Dos Santos emphasised the psychological impact Ouaddou has had on the squad. He believes the coach has changed the mentality of younger players and helped them mature faster in their decision-making and approach to matches. This growth has contributed to Pirates’ consistency throughout the season, especially in high-pressure games. The former coach also praised Ouaddou’s calm personality and leadership style, describing him as someone players trust and want to play for. He said these qualities have helped create unity within the squad.

Dos Santos warned that losing a coach of Ouaddou’s calibre would be extremely difficult for Orlando Pirates to manage. He said replacing someone who has delivered both structure and silverware in a short period would not be straightforward. The timing of such a departure, coming after a treble-winning season, would also disrupt momentum and planning for the future. He stressed that continuity is key for a team that has just reached a new competitive level. His message reflects growing concern about whether Pirates can maintain stability after a landmark campaign.