After Orlando Pirates announced Abdeslam Ouaddou the official successor of Jose Riveiro, the latest on his alleged contractual battle with his ex-club Marumo Gallants has been revealed.
Shortly after Ouaddou resigned from Gallants having helped them survive relegation, the club released a contradictory statement, distancing themselves from the news.
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Reports soon emerged that the Bloemfontein-based outfit claimed the had signed a two-year contract with them, just before tendering his resignation, and that the club was preparing litigation against the coach leaving.
Ouaddou is believed to have signed a short-term deal with Gallants, up until the end of the season, after joining in March, with a two-year option should he save them from the drop.
It is understood contractual disputes emerged after Siwelele Sa Marumo allegedly changed the terms of a two-year contract extension, offering the former AS Vita tactician a salary cut and inserting a release clause, a contract he was not prepared to sign.
After the Morrocan-Frenchman was announced as new Pirates coach on Monday morning, KickOff.com sought clarity on the matter from Gallants.
"The matter was finalised. It was like that initially, up until the two parties communicated and we amicably parted ways," resonded club spokesperson Sello Nduna.
"We amicably parted ways, hence currently we're busy talking to a number of coaches, checking who can we appoint for the new season."
Reports alleged that Ouaddou was willing to sign a termination agreement of the original contract if the club removed a R1 million release clause.
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"But initially, it was was like that. That's why he resigned up until there was a consultation between the two camps and we finally parted ways amicably," confirmed Nduna, a respected figure in local football circles.
