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Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando PiratesBackpage

Abdeslam Ouaddou lauds 'talented striker & fantastic midfielder' after Orlando Pirate advanced in CAF Champions League outing - 'We will turn him into a top striker!.. he is one of the best'

  • Pirates signed several top players
  • Coach Ouaddou wanted depth and versatility
  • Tactician lauds two stars 
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  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    On Saturday, Orlando Pirates sealed their spot in the CAF Champions League's second preliminary round after beating Lioli 4-0 and 7-0 on aggregate.  

    One of the players who shone was striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who scored a brace, and Sipho Mbule, who ensured the midfield delivered effectively.

    Tshepang Moremi scored the other two goals for the Sea Robbers.

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  • Yanela Mbuthuma and Tsoanelo Koetle, Orlando Pirates vs LioliBackpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Mbuthuma's strikes were the first for the club he joined from Richards Bay a couple of months ago.

    He has been finding it hard to break into the matchday squad, but when he got his chance, he took it with both hands.

    Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has vowed to make the versatile forward realise his potential, at the same time underlining the importance of Mbule.

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    WHAT OUADDOU SAID

    "Mbuthuma is one of the most talented players in South Africa," Ouaddou said in a presser.

    "Our scouting department at the club did a great job of bringing him in, and now we are trying to turn him into a top top striker," Ouaddou added.
    "What I like to see is Mbule smiling when he is playing. 

    "He is a fantastic player and one of the best players in this league. So when he is happy, I'm happy," he concluded.

  • Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando PiratesOrlando Pirates

    WHAT NEXT FOR?

    Mbule has already established himself at the club, and with his recent exploits, he will be guaranteed playtime.

    However, Mbuthuma knows he has to show he is better than Tshegofatso Mabasa, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Evidence Makgopa to get game time regularly.