Latest news with #AbdeslamOuaddou
The South African
an hour ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: MTN8 blow, transfer pressure builds
Orlando Pirates fans will be feeling unsettled following Abdeslam Ouaddou's comments regarding the squad's current injury status ahead of their MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City. 'It is expected that there will be some minor injuries and swelling in various players since football is played by young men,' Abdeslam Ouaddou told Isolezwe. The coach left out the names of the individuals he was referring to, but evidently alluded to the fact that several players are expected to be out of the running for their cup clash in over two week's time. Dutch giants PSV have upped the ante in their pursuit for Relebohile Mofokeng, reportedly tabling an offer in the region of around R100 million. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million,' an inside source revealed. 'You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that.' An big-money move seems inevitable for the Orlando Pirates superstar – however, whether it happens this offseason or next is yet to be seen. What we do know is that his father, Sechaba, wants a move to happen before this upcoming season. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba Mofokeng said. '[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added. 'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new top signing set to miss MTN8 clash
Orlando Pirates could be without their new top signing Oswin Appollis, ahead of their MTN8 opener against Polokwane City. The Buccaneers take on Rise and Shine at the Orlando Stadium on 2 August in the quarter-finals of the MTN8. Pirates have won the competition four times in the last five editions and are heavy favourites to lift the cup. With new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at the helm, it remains to be seen if the Sea Robbers will still have their cup magic. Speaking following their pre-season tour in Spain, the Orlando Pirates coach confirmed that some players sustained minor injuries, but did not specify if any of them were new signings. 'It is expected that there will be some minor injuries and swelling in various players since football is played by young men,' Ouaddou said as per Isolezwe. Appollis played several pre-season friendly matches and against Pafos, he looked explosive, which convinced Pirates fans that the club made the right choice signing the 23-year-old He missed the games against former La Liga clubs UD Las Palmas and Granada CF due to a minor injury, according to reports. It is unknown if the new signing will be ready for Orlando Pirates' opening fixture. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: Moloisane, Ndah, Mofokeng, Rhodes
Orlando Pirates are not done signing players this transfer window, it seems. The Buccaneers have already brought in 11 new players ahead of the 2025/26 season. Under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates will look to build from last season and take the fight to Mamelodi Sundowns. With the MTN8 kicking off in two weeks, Pirates will hope that their pre-season has prepared them for the new season. According to Soccer Laduma , the Soweto giants are in pursuit of Stellenbosch star Thabo Moloisane. Despite having more than five centre backs, the Buccaneers are looking to add more in defence in case of injuries. 'It's believed to be an ongoing process. It's one player at a time and if you look at the players signed so far, there are no central defenders, and apparently that's why it's believed that the club are still pursuing Thabo Moloisane. The club scouts and recruiters are believed to have been following his progress for some time now,' the insider told Soccer Laduma. If Orlando Pirates sign Moloisane this transfer season, what does that mean for Olisah Ndah? He hasn't kicked a ball since May last year. Jaedin Rhodes has been a player who has been linked not only to Pirates but Kaizer Chiefs as well. The talented midfielder is on his way out of Cape Town City and is set to move to Gauteng in the coming days, It remains to be seen if the Buccaneers can make another surprise signing. With seven players having left Orlando Pirates, there's one player who has always been destined to leave this transfer window. That player is Relebohile Mofokeng. The talented winger has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia but it remains to be seen if he'll move to the Middle East or Europe. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates extend the contracts of two senior stars
Orlando Pirates have reportedly reached an agreement to extend the contracts of two key senior players. While the Buccaneers are working hard on creating a youthful first team, there's still room for their ageing stars at the club. Abdeslam Ouaddou will now be able to call upon two of the club's trusted soldiers next season. READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns star set for European switch! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! According to the latest transfer gossip, Orlando Pirates have reached a contract extension agreement with Makhehlene Makhaula. The 35-year-old midfielder has made 73 appearances for the club since joining them in 2023. Now according to Soccer Laduma , Makhaula has extended his contract at Orlando Pirates. He's set to remain at the club until the end of next season. Furthermore, fellow veteran Deon Hotto has also signed a two-year contract extension. Hotto has made 215 appearances for Orlando Pirates FC since joining them in 2021. The Namibian international was a key performer under Jose Riveiro. He's expected to continue playing a big role under Abdeslam Ouaddou next season. READ MORE • How much Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! Where do you think Orlando Pirates will finish on the league log standings next season? Can they dethrone rivals Mamelodi Sundowns? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates' Abdeslam Ouaddou lauds new forward's performance after pre-season tour
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou (pictured) praised forward Yanela Mbuthuma's performance in their 2-0 pre-season victory over Granada, highlighting his effective pressing and the team's progress under Ouaddou's new defensive strategy. Picture: Alche Greef/BackpagePix Ouaddou spoke specifically about the 23-year-old Mbuthuma after the win over Granada. It was perhaps the best result of the pre-season tour as they lost 2-0 to Bolton, drew 1-1 with Pafos and ended in a goalless draw against Los Palmas before their final fixture. Pirates concluded their run of four matches with a 2-0 win over La Liga outfit Granada over the weekend. As Orlando Pirates wrapped up their pre-season tour, Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been glowing in his assessment of forward Yanela Mbuthuma . Ouaddou's Defensive Strategy and Team Progress '[Pressing is] one of the instructions of the defensive formation when we are defending,' Ouaddou told SuperSport TV. 'He (Mbuthuma) did a great job in terms of pressing, that is what we asked him. His job was to stop the relationship between the central defender and the goalkeeper. 'And to push the opponent to make mistakes because we wanted to recover the ball on the sides. We did very well in the first half. But afterwards, when we recovered the ball, the plan was to open wide and to find free space in order to create chances.' With Ouaddou taking the reins ahead of the new season, there were indeed some encouraging signs. 'I think we achieved that, we had many chances, now we have to improve in the box, to be more clinical, and we can win the game. 'We can see that the team, step by step, is starting to understand a bit better exactly the expectation of the coach. So I am happy.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
