Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is set to pocket nearly R12 million after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that DR Congo giants AS Vita Club dismissed him without just cause. The award exceeds €600,000 and covers outstanding payments, contractual bonuses and compensation for the unlawful termination.

CAS Rules in Ouaddou's Favor Against AS Vita

CAS found that AS Vita Club ended Ouaddou's contract without valid grounds. The Congolese club now faces a binding order to settle the full amount. Ouaddou was relieved of his duties there in January 2024 and filed his complaint with CAS in November that year — the tribunal has now ruled squarely in his favour.

Turbulent Tenure at Congolese Club

His time at Vita Club was turbulent from the start. Internal instability, unpaid wages and logistical problems defined his spell in Kinshasa. He picked himself up, moved to Marumo Gallants in March 2025, and inherited a side staring at relegation in the Betway Premiership. What followed was a sharp turnaround — five wins, four draws and three defeats across 12 matches, enough to secure a 10th-place finish and survival. He also guided Gallants to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals before contract talks broke down and he left the club.

Orlando Pirates moved quickly. The Soweto giants appointed the former Morocco international as head coach on 23 June 2025 following Jose Riveiro's departure. Now, before a ball has been kicked in anger this season, Ouaddou has a significant financial win off the pitch as well. Pirates face Milford in their opening 2026/27 PSL fixture this weekend — and Ouaddou will be taking that out of his pocket too.