The Moroccan has drawn comparisons between Pirates’ structure and Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s tenure, recalling a visit to the English club where he observed a similarly sized support team.
“What is important in our club is we have around 18 to 19 people in the staff. It’s a lot. It’s like in Europe,” Ouaddou told the media.
“If you go to Arsenal, I’m very close to Mr Wenger, and at the time when I had a visit there in Arsenal, I have seen he had 18 people in his staff. In Pirates, we have 18 to 19.”
Ouaddou was speaking after Pirates secured a 1-0 victory over Namibian champions African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie played in Botswana last weekend.
The Buccaneers will host the Namibian side at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night, aiming to secure qualification for the Champions League group stage.
The former Fulham defender stressed that the work of the backroom staff often goes unnoticed, despite its importance in helping the head coach make informed decisions during matches.
Ouaddou has also shown confidence in the existing technical structure at Pirates, having opted to retain the club’s backroom staff when he took charge.
“People see only the coach, but you have to understand that around the coach there are a lot of competences, and I want to mention it: African competences. This is important to mention,” he added.
One of the key responsibilities of the support team is monitoring players' physical output through tracking devices, allowing the technical staff to assess fatigue and high-intensity efforts.
Ouaddou explained that the information gathered helps determine when a player should be substituted to minimise injury risks, introduce fresh legs or make tactical adjustments.
“If one player is getting in the red flag, that maybe we can risk an injury, so we take him out before he gets this injury,” he explained.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has called for unity within the club as Amakhosi look to end their winless run and rescue their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
Senegal will have to wait until the end of November to discover whether they can reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that its ruling on their appeal would take several more weeks.
Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane has warned his side that improving their defensive solidity will be crucial if Babina Noko are to compete for silverware in the 2026/27 season.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes careful player management will be crucial as the Soweto giants prepare for a demanding season that could see them feature in close to 60 matches.
