Orlando Pirates Compared to Arsenal - Coach Ouaddou Hails His African Technical Team

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Ralph Staniforth 2 hours ago

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Coach Ouaddou compares Orlando Pirates’ 18-19 backroom staff to Arsenal’s, highlighting their European-level structure.
Oswin Appollis missed the recent match due to injury and fatigue, with no risks taken on his recovery.
Deon Hotto was dropped for last week's first leg - Ouaddou explains the decision.

Pirates' veteran left back Deon Hotto is hoping for a recall on Friday night (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has compared the Buccaneers’ backroom staff to Arsenal’s while praising the African expertise behind the club’s success.

The Moroccan also explained Deon Hotto’s absence against African Stars and the absence of key winger Oswin Appollis from last week's first-leg victory.

Ouaddou Compares Bucs to Arsenal

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou revealed that Pirates have 18 to 19 backroom staff members, similar to the setup he witnessed during a visit to Arsenal under former manager Arsène Wenger. “It’s like in Europe,” he said, highlighting the importance of having a strong support structure behind the head coach.

He also praised the “African competences” within the club, insisting that analysts and other specialists play a crucial role in managing player fatigue, preventing injuries and making tactical decisions.

Oswin Appollis’ Absence Clarified

Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis missed Pirates’ 1-0 CAF Champions League first-leg victory over African Stars after picking up an injury. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was unwilling to take any risks with the Bafana Bafana winger. “It seems to be fatigue, I hope,” Ouaddou said.

He added: “I just didn’t want to take risks with him.”

The Pirates coach said he would assess Appollis alongside the medical department before deciding on his availability for the second leg.

Ouaddou Explains Why Hotto Was Dropped

Namibian left back Deon Hotto remained on the bench as Pirates beat his former club African Stars 1-0.

“Sometimes Hotto is part of the starting XI, but today he was part of the impact players,” Ouaddou explained.

The coach added: “Hopefully, he will be able to bring his experience,” as Pirates prepare for Friday’s return leg and look to secure their place in the group stages.

Pirates face African Stars in the CAF Champions League second leg on Friday, 23 October, at 19:30 at Orlando Amstel Arena, holding a 1-0 first-leg advantage.

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.