Ouaddou and Mbule must deliver fast — or face the wrath of the Orlando Pirates faithful
Can Mbule be a success at Pirates? Sipho Mbule will want to hit the ground running after completing a move to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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Mbule has a long list of disciplinary issues, so the move has been seen as a major gamble by the club's fans.
However, it turns out Ouaddou is a big fan and said in a recent interview with Robert Marawa that he'd love to work with him, despite his well-documented indiscretions.
'…I love him, his style of play,' Ouaddou said when speaking to Marawa on 947's MSW. 'And I know that maybe his behaviour is not so good, but I think it's a question of management. These players need management, somebody to be close to them.
'To make them understand that they are good players, but they have to manage their lifestyle – it's Mbule. [He] is a fantastic player; it's the kind of player I'd like to have in my team.'
Ouaddou's comments sound like he's the kind of coach Mbule needs in his corner to turn his career around. And if Mbule can pay him back for the belief he has in him, Pirates could have a very good player on their hands.
If Ouaddou can get Mbule firing and the team believing in his vision, the new season could mark the start of an unexpected resurgence for Orlando Pirates. With doubters on the outside and pressure mounting from within, both coach and player have the perfect opportunity to silence critics and script a redemption story worthy of the club's proud legacy.
All eyes will be on Pirates – because if this gamble pays off, it might just be the masterstroke that changes everything. If it doesn't, the knives will be out and both of them will be in for a rough time.
IOL Sport
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