Abdeslam Ouaddou under fire as Miguel Cardoso exudes confidence ahead of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns MTN8 semi-final clash
Abdeslam Ouaddou and his counterpart Miguel Cardoso cut contrasting figures at the PSL offices this week, telling tales of different fortunes.
Ouaddou was sombre during his pre-match press conference ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash against Sundowns. The Moroccan was almost present in body only, leaning tightly against his seat and wearily staring at the journalists.
The 46-year-old's demeanour was understandable, as reporters pressed him on the Buccaneers' poor start to the Betway Premiership campaign. Ouaddou had lost his first two league games to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, resulting in heavy scrutiny and early pressure from fans.
Some Ghosts are already calling for his head, insisting that his decision to throw new players in at the deep end has led to their shortcomings. And having been tipped to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, his critics argue that he seems out of sorts and unable to manage a big squad.
That pressure to turn the tide could mount further by Saturday afternoon if Ouaddou loses to Sundowns in a competition where Riveiro thrived — winning three crowns in a row. But despite the frustrations of the fans, Ouaddou insisted they are putting every measure in place to ensure camaraderie among the players and healthy competition for places.
'When you have such a number of players, they know they are playing for one of the biggest clubs in Africa,' Ouaddou said. 'They know the fans' and everyone's expectations.
'So, we are ready to help them reach their targets and achieve higher levels. We want to help them improve — that's what we are doing even in difficult times.
'We are doing the best things for them so that they can improve tactically and technically. But their mentality is also very important.'
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