France shuts the door on him, Abdeslam Ouaddou becomes South Africa’s best coach

After his playing career, the former Nancy, Rennes and Atlas Lions defender began coaching at AS Nancy-Lorraine’s training academy. His goal at the time was to earn the French professional football coaching certificate, the BEPF, equivalent to the UEFA Pro license.

On Bladi.net : Tragic Turn: Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou Hospitalized After Highway Good Samaritan Act Goes Wrong

His first application was reportedly rejected because he was not yet managing a professional team. Ouaddou therefore left to coach Mouloudia d’Oujda in Morocco’s first division before applying a second time.

This time, he recounts in an interview with L’Équipe, his work abroad was reportedly held against him. “It’s the snake biting its own tail,” summarizes the former Moroccan international.

He also claims that the National Technical Directorate initially refused, without explanation, to provide him with the essential document needed to continue his training in another country. The situation was eventually resolved by Hubert Fournier, then national technical director, allowing Ouaddou to train with German coaches.

“It’s always more complicated for us”

Asked about possible discriminatory treatment, Abdeslam Ouaddou does not make a direct accusation of racism. Nevertheless, he observes that the path remains “always more complicated for us” and calls on the French Football Federation to diversify the profiles of its coaches and educators further.

The FFF, approached by L’Équipe about his grievances, did not wish to comment. Access to the BEPF remains highly selective: 11 of the 42 candidates registered for the tests were admitted in 2026.

After experiences in Morocco, Benin and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ouaddou established himself in South Africa. He had first kept Marumo Gallants up, taking over when they were in second-to-last place, before being selected by Orlando Pirates.

In his first season, he far exceeded the objectives set by the club. Orlando Pirates won the championship for the first time in fourteen years, as well as the Cup and the Super Cup. This treble earned him the trophy for best coach of the season.

On Bladi.net : Hakim Ziyech in Qatar for the money?

Abdeslam Ouaddou does not speak of revenge, but of victory: that of showing that a French-Moroccan coach, shaped by French training, can succeed at the highest level of African football.