Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he believes having a large backroom staff is essential in modern football, pointing to the importance of teamwork and the expertise of African professionals working behind the scenes.

The Buccaneers coach revealed that the club has between 18 and 19 members in its technical and backroom team, a structure he believes is necessary to meet the demands of modern football.

Ouaddou used Arsenal as an example when explaining his position, recalling a visit to the English Premier League club during the time of former manager Arsène Wenger.

“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 said.

His comments highlight the importance of having qualified professionals who can support the head coach in different areas of the game.

While supporters often focus on the head coach and the players on the pitch, football clubs depend on several specialists who contribute to preparation, performance, recovery and the overall management of the team.

For a club like Orlando Pirates, which competes in domestic competitions and African football, managing the demands of a busy fixture schedule requires proper organisation and coordination.

The technical team must prepare players for matches, analyse opponents, monitor fitness levels and ensure that the squad remains ready for different challenges throughout the season.

Ouaddou believes these responsibilities demonstrate why the work of the backroom staff should not be overlooked.

The Pirates coach also made a point of recognising the African professionals working within the club's structure, stressing that their contribution deserves acknowledgement.

“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.

His remarks underline his appreciation for the knowledge and abilities of African football professionals who contribute to the development of the game.

For the Soweto giants, the backroom team's role is particularly important as the club seeks to remain competitive across multiple competitions while maintaining high performance standards.

Ouaddou's message is clear: success in modern football is not built by the head coach alone. It requires a group of skilled professionals working together towards the same objective.

As Orlando Pirates continue their campaign, the coach will hope that the combined efforts of his technical team and players translate into strong performances and more silverware for the Buccaneers.

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