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IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou departs Marumo Gallants after a brief but impactful tenure
Former head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has left Marumo Gallants after just a few months in charge. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a surprising turn of events, Abdeslam Ouaddou has announced his departure from Marumo Gallants, just a few months after taking the reins of the Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League side. The French-Moroccan coach made his announcement through a social media statement on Saturday night, expressing gratitude to the club's staff, players, and supporters for their unwavering support during his time at the helm. Ouaddou's statement read: 'I would like to announce with this press release the end of the adventure with the Marumo Gallants club. To the incredible Siwelele Sa Marumo Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the season. Your chants, your songs, your energy in the stands, they meant everything to us. 🙌🏽#MarumoGallants #BahlabaneBantwa #SiweleleSaMarumo — MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) May 21, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "It has been a great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club. I would like to thank first of all my players, my president, and all the stakeholders of the club who participated from near or far in this mission to save the club, without forgetting our magnificent supporters. "The people of Bloemfontein will remain in my heart forever. I wish the best to Marumo Gallants as well as to my players. "I love you guys. I obviously remain open to any proposal for an ambitious project and am determined to take on a new challenge.' Ouaddou's tenure at Gallants began in March, replacing Dan Malesela, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender. His arrival injected a fresh sense of purpose, highlighted by an impressive victory over Orlando Pirates in his debut match. Under his guidance, the team experienced a revival that left fans buzzing with optimism. He lifted the side from a precarious position to a commendable tenth place in the league and led them to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup. Ouaddou's final game turned out to be a crucial moment, as a victory against Magesi FC could have secured a Top 8 spot.


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Gallants coach Ouaddou makes shock decision
'It has been great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club," wrote Ouaddou. Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has tendered his resignation. Ouaddou joined Gallants in March this year after the club parted ways with coach Dan Malesela following a poor start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season. ALSO READ: Blom leaves Kaizer Chiefs as squad overhaul begins The Moroccan guided them into safety and indications were that he would stay on for next season, but Ouaddou announced his shock departure on Saturday through a press release. 'I would like to announce with this press release the end of the adventure with the Marumo Gallants club,' read his press release. 'It has been great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club and I would like to thank first of all my players, my President, as well as all the stakeholders of the club who participated from near or far in this mission to save the club without forgetting our magnificent supporters. 'The people of Bloemfontein will remain in my heart forever and I wish the best to Marumo Gallants as well as to my players. I love you guys. 'I obviously remain open to any proposal for an ambitious project and determined to take on a new challenge.' ALSO READ: AmaZulu release Bafana Bafana goalkeeper – report Gallants finished the season in 10th place with 32 points after 28 matches, just one point below eighth-placed Richards Bay FC.

The Star
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Don't repeat mistakes, Nabi tells Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Marumo Gallants PSL clash
Herman Gibbs | Published 2 hours ago Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has called for a complete mental focus from his players at FNB Stadium on Saturday when they host the ever-improving Marumo Gallants (3pm start). The call for heightened concentration comes at a pivotal moment for Chiefs, who have faced various challenges this season. Nabi believes that the psychological aspect of the game can significantly influence the outcome. Last weekend, the Soweto giants faltered at Chippa United, dropping much-needed points after a promising run marked by their impressive Nedbank Cup semi-final victory over the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns. The inconsistency displayed has sparked questions about the team's resilience as they navigate the difficult path of the Premiership campaign. 'We took lessons from last week's game against Chippa United. We even discussed all week about this game that we must be ready and focused,' said Nabi. 'We tried to prepare our players mentally. The smart players, if they make one mistake, can't repeat the same mistake. 'Now we understand that if we don't prepare 100 percent mentally, we can't win any game. 'The players must understand the significance of every game now, particularly as we are in a crucial phase of the season.' The stakes couldn't be higher for the Amakhosi as they strive to secure a season-ending top-eight finish in the Premiership. Currently occupying eighth place in the league standings with 31 points, Chiefs are experiencing a worrying dip in form, having garnered just three points from their last five outings. Under the guidance of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Gallants have seen a recent upturn in form, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches. Gallants currently sit in 13th place with 27 points, just a few points above the relegation zone. Ouaddou's squad is keenly aware of how quickly fortunes can change in the league, asserting the need for at least two more wins to ensure their safety. 'We are breathing a bit easier, but we are not safe, because you can see that gap. You can see all these teams, SuperSport United and all these teams are in the same pocket,' said the Moroccan-born Ouaddou. 'Two or three points, and it happens quickly. We need at least two more wins to be safe, but it is not finished.' In this season rife with ups and downs, winger Wandile Duba has emerged as a beacon of hope for Kaizer Chiefs fans. The 20-year-old winger is currently the club's leading goal scorer in the league, boasting five goals, a remarkable achievement considering his absence from the squad for seven consecutive matches between February 1 and March 12. Duba's overall contributions signal that he is establishing himself as a vital cog in the coach's tactical plans. Gallants' Ivorian striker Junior Dion is proving to be a revelation during his loan spell at the club. After grappling with limited game-time at AmaZulu, the 31-year-old forward made the significant switch in January, and his impact has been felt profoundly on the pitch. In the recent encounter against Golden Arrows, Dion scored a well-taken goal that highlighted his striking ability, but also marked his third goal in just seven appearances for the Free State outfit. The striker's elegance in front of the opposition's goal displays a player who is regaining his confidence and form. Dion's agility and positioning create a constant threat to opposition defences, showcasing why Gallants were keen to secure him on loan.