Mamelodi Sundowns to decide Abdeslam Ouaddou's fate at Orlando Pirates? - 'MTN8 will determine whether he is worthy to keep or not'

Former Orlando Pirates striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane has said the Mamelodi Sundowns MTN8 semi-final clash could determine Abdeslam Ouaddou's fate as Bucs' head coach. 

In what is billed as a clash of titans, Pirates, the defending champions, will face Downs, who are the Premier Soccer League defending champions, in the MTN8 semi-final.  

Whatever the outcome on Saturday, Mbuyane says the match will determine whether Ouaddou stays or will perhaps be living on borrowed time.

"But overall, Pirates played very well against Sekhukhune; they were just unfortunate not to score. And at the same time, we can't take anything away from Sekhukhune; they defended very well. They were fighting," Mbuyane told KickOff.

"The Pirates' coach played players we are not familiar with. Hopefully, he saw his mistake, and Mandla Ncikazi must also help him to understand these boys better," he added. 

"On Saturday, I couldn't understand where he was failing, having such depth in the squad. But let's give him a bit of time. Saturday's MTN8 Cup match will determine whether he is worthy to keep or not." 

The former Bucs striker said it is important for Ouaddou to mastermind a win against Gallants to boost his chances of remaining as coach.

"It's important for him to win against Marumo Gallants tonight," he stated.  

"Imagine going into the MTN8 Cup semi-final game already having suffered two defeats in a row? You are a goner." 

The loss against Sekhukhune United is one of the reasons why Ouaddou has found himself under immense criticism this early.

His line-ups have always drawn attention from pundits and fans alike, with some questioning why he has decided against using players who were regulars last season.  

For example, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano Van Rooyen featured prominently in Jose Riveiro's starting XIs, but Ouaddou prefers their alternatives.

Tshepo Mashiloane looks to be the preferred right-back choice and not Van Rooyen. Sihle Nduli has been picked at the expense of Thalente Mbatha, but this equation could change once midfield maestro Makhehlene Makhaula is back.

Upfront, Boitumelo Radiopane seems to have earned the new coach's trust, with Tshegofatso Mabasa consequently relegated.

After the opening loss, the Moroccan tactician is already under immense pressure. 

Pirates' defeat to Ouaddou's former side, Marumo Gallants, on Tuesday has piled more pressure on the North African coach.