Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam has made all of his doubters eat humble pie after delivering a trophy for the Buccaneers in his maiden campaign. There were plenty of sceptics when the Moroccan took over the reins from Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who had enjoyed plenty of success with the Sea Robbers.

Some were underwhelmed by the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants mentor and felt he would struggle to deliver at Mayfair.

His team’s slow start to the season was not ideal and only served to amplify the voices of his doubters, with some even calling for his dismissal.

However, he has since turned the corner and masterminded Pirates’ fourth consecutive MTN8 title after beating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final.

Here, GOAL looks at why Ouaddou’s doubters are eating humble pie after the lanky tactician proved that he is indeed a capable replacement for Riveiro.