‘A Carpenter’ - Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars Assistant Makes Feelings Known Over New Orlando Pirates Coach

Moeneeb Josephs (left) has given his opinion on new Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Photos: FKF/Imago

‘A Carpenter’ - Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars Assistant Makes Feelings Known Over New Orlando Pirates Coach

Joel Omotto 10:00 - 24.06.2025

Harambee Stars assistant coach has voiced his opinion regarding the appointment of Moroccan Abdeslam Ouaddou as Orlando Pirates tactician ahead of his boss Benni McCarthy.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Moeneeb Josephs has reacted to the appointment of Moroccan Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new Orlando Pirates coach.

Ouaddou was the surprise name handed the job to succeed Spanish Jose Riveiro, who left in May to take over Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Following Riveiro's departure, speculation was rife that Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, Rulani Mokwena and veteran Pitso Mosimane were favourites to take over but Pirates pulled a surprise yet again when they handed the job to little-known Ouaddou.

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Josephs was among those who were rooting for his boss McCarthy but will now have to fully focus on his job in Kenya while watching from a distance as Ouaddou does his job.

Ex-Goalkeeper Terms Moroccan a ‘Carpenter’

However, the former Pirates goalkeeper had an interesting take on Ouaddou, terming him a “carpenter” who could end up creating something special with the Soweto giants, just like Riveiro silenced his doubters after he had been called a 'plumber' when he first arrived.

"We have heard the news today [Monday] that we have signed our new coach. Yes, we are all a little bit concerned, and rightfully so," Josephs said on SoccerBeat.

"We had our three candidates but as we know, Orlando Pirates, we have to put our faith in the administration because they brought us Jose [Riveiro], who we all called a plumber, and have brought us kind of an unknown coach as well which I am sure everybody will be keeping an eye on.

"But like we all said, Jose was a plumber and look what he turned out to be, a master. So, we will start over with the new coach, now we will call him a carpenter but remember, Jesus was also a carpenter, he turned out to be the Messiah."

What Does Josephs Want from New Pirates Coach?

Josephs then went on to express what he wants to see from the new Pirates coach.

"So, coach, you will have our support but also know coach, Orlando Pirates wants to be winning things and that is why we brought you here. We will be right behind you but know we want to be winning things," Josephs added.

Ouaddou is, however, not new to Pirates fans as he coached South African top flight side Marumo Gallants from February 2025 to May, guiding them to safety with his four-month stint involving a 2-0 win over his now new team in March, as well as a 2-1 triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in April.

He had coached Congolese side AS Vita for nine months before joining Gallants, having previously worked in Benin and Algeria.