Latest news with #AbdeslamOuaddou
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates must go all in to end Mamelodi Sundowns' reign
New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faces the challenge of building on Jose Riveiro's foundation while plotting to dethrone serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Second place surely cannot be good enough this time around for Orlando Pirates. Bridesmaids to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league for the past two seasons, the Buccaneers must be hell-bent on usurping the Brazilians in the upcoming campaign. They showed last season that they can run Sundowns close, having significantly narrowed the points gap compared to the season before. The big question, though, is whether the change of coach will have a positive or negative effect on Pirates' ambitions. Jose Riveiro managed to give Sundowns a run for their money because he had been at the club for three seasons and had already established a winning formula and built a trusted team that he stuck with. That continuity could well be affected this time around, with new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou likely to want to build his own team. But why fix it if it isn't broken, right? Logic would suggest that the Moroccan should carry on where the Spaniard left off if Pirates are to remain competitive and continue to be the side most likely to hassle Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title. Coaches are different, though, and while Ouaddou will no doubt want to build on the solid foundation Riveiro left behind before moving to Al Ahly in Egypt, he will also be keen to put his personal stamp on the team. He will be helped in that regard by the fact that the club have made some significant signings, bringing in big-name players who were surely not bought to warm the bench. During the club's pre-season tour of Spain, he gave some of those players a run, and one thing is now certain: unlike under Riveiro, the Pirates starting line-up will no longer be predictable. How could it be, when Ouaddou has, for example, a myriad of superb central midfielders to choose from? The arrivals of Sipho Mbule, Msindi Nemtajela, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi, Tshepo Mashiloane and Oswin Appollis mean the battle for starting berths will be intensely competitive — and that can only drive performance levels higher across the squad. What will excite Ouaddou even more is the versatility of some of these new players — including Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Nksokhona Ndaba — which will offer him numerous tactical options. That Pirates have gone so big in the transfer market — even as they've released several players — is a clear signal that they have taken note of Sundowns' winning model. The Brazilians' dominance is built on the ability to field different starting line-ups while maintaining high performance. Their bench is stacked with quality, and in-game changes rarely weaken the team. This was not the case for Pirates in recent campaigns, but now it appears they finally have the depth to compete from the bench. They impressed on the continent last season, reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League with a limited squad, having also won the MTN8 and reached the Nedbank Cup final. Their pedigree in knockout competitions is without question. But their biggest challenge this coming season must be in the league, where they have not tasted success since the 2011/12 season. Stopping Sundowns from winning a ninth successive title has to be their top priority — and the signs suggest they have assembled a squad capable of doing just that. But can they?
The South African
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts
Orlando Pirates may be counting the cost of their European pre-season. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hinted that several players are carrying knocks, just weeks out from the MTN8 Cup. Although he didn't reveal names, Ouaddou's vague injury update has sparked concern. 'The game is played by young men,' he told local media. 'Swelling and niggles are normal.' The injuries could prove disruptive, with Pirates set to face Polokwane City in the tournament's quarter-finals. The match will also be a test for new signings like Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, should they be fit to feature. The bigger distraction, however, remains the future of Relebohile Mofokeng. PSV are the latest club pushing hard to sign the Orlando Pirates wonderkid. And the numbers being discussed are staggering. 'The R100 million talk is misleading,' a source said. 'It was initially R120 million.' That hasn't stopped interest, nor has it silenced Mofokeng's father. Sechaba Mofokeng made it clear he doesn't want his son playing in South Africa next season. 'Spain, England, Netherlands — Rele can play anywhere. But not Saudi Arabia. He needs to experience UEFA football,' he said. 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
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: MTN8 concern, Mofokeng exit
Orlando Pirates fans have reason to worry as their team returns from Europe with fitness concerns. According to new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, some players are nursing injuries sustained during their pre-season trip to Spain. 'It is expected that there will be some minor injuries and swelling in various players,' he noted, without naming those affected. The Buccaneers will need to regroup quickly, with an MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City looming. Eleven new signings, including Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, have added excitement, but their availability now appears uncertain. Off the field, the Mofokeng transfer saga continues to dominate headlines. Dutch giants PSV are now the front-runners, and they're not lowballing. While public figures mention R100 million, reports suggest the initial bid was even higher — closer to R120 million. 'You know it's not exactly what you want that you get,' an insider said. 'That's why they're talking about R100 million, but it's more than that.' Mofokeng's father is hopeful the move happens this season. 'He needs to compete in UEFA competitions,' he explained. 'Yes, he'd be rich [in Saudi Arabia] — but happiness is more important.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19 hours 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
a day 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.
