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Sthembiso Nkabinde

Will  Abdeslam Ouaddou turn things around? Orlando Pirates new coach beginning to turn the corner

After a rather slow start to the season, Orlando Pirates appear to be picking up steam after an impressive performance against a solid Mamelodi Sundowns team.

Pirates, following the departure of fan favourite coach Jose Riveiro, have been struggling to pick up where they left off last season.

Amid the growing concerns and frustration at Pirates, Ouaddou headed to the Downs match under-pressure to produce the goods.

Ouaddou’s Pirates lost their last two matches before the clash against Sundowns after a solid start to the MTN8 campaign with a strong win against Polokwane City.

The Buccaneers’ losses came against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in their opening two league games, with those results leading many to question.

However, in their recent performance against the league’s best team, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pirates showed that they are still one of the top teams in the PSL.

Here, GOAL, looks at why Ouaddou might well turn things around at Pirates following their most recent showing, which was a sight for sore eyes as far as Bucs fans are concerned. 

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    A poor start

    After Riveiro departed the Bucs, fans were eager to see who would replace the fan-favourite coach, who had won just about every domestic trophy. 

    Riveiro left for Al Ahly in Egypt, with former Mariko Gallants mentor Ouaddou taking over the reins, hoping to bring over his success from his previous club.

    And after a strong start with a perfect win over Polokwane City, Ouaddou’s side then faced some struggles with defeats to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants.

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  • Boitumelo Radiopane, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Fixing what isn’t broken? 

    Many were hoping that Ouaddou would take a measured approach to team management, focusing on building upon the existing foundation rather than wholesale changes.

    However, the Moroccan has attempted to stamp his authority on Riveiro’s team, making some changes to the Spaniard’s team that impressed over the past three seasons.

    Although he acknowledges the success of the previous coach, Riverio, fans are confused why Ouaddou has so far aimed to make changes to  the team rather than build on it.

  • Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Too many changes

    Under Riveiro, the likes of Thalente Mbatha, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa,  Deano van Rooyen and others were among the top performers.

    However,  Ouaddou has decided to make some changes, giving the likes of Sihle Nduli, Sipho Nduli, Boitumelo Radiopane and others a chance to impress and stake a claim in the team.

    But results have not gone Ouaddou’s men’s side so far, especially in the leagues, where they seem to be falling short.

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, GFXGOAL

    Pressure is mounting 

    Ouaddou has made a name for himself as a coach with a backbone, and as such, he knows the buck will stop with him in ensuring Bucs sail into steady waters.

    The Moroccan arrived at the club fully aware that his task would be a tough one, replacing a fan-favourite coach who won plenty of trophies.

    Ouaddou needed a strong start to reassure the Bucs fans who were already broken by their favourite mentor’s departure, but early struggles led to many questions.

  • Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Redemption?

    The draw with Sundowns, although it was not the result many fans would have been hoping for, was not the worst, and there is plenty of optimism going into the second leg.

    It was always going to be a stern test for Ouaddou’s men against the strongest team in the league, and they came out with a solid result.

    The next meeting with Downs will be another big test that will give Bucs fans a lot of information about their new look team at the new coach.

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