Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes new signing Abdoulaye Mariko has a lot of qualities but still needs to improve.
The 23-year-old midfielder was introduced in the second half during Pirates’ match against Polokwane City. Despite only featuring for less than 20 minutes, Bucs faithful were impressed with the Malian striker.
“Mariko is a very interesting young player. He was the top goal-scorer in Mali, and he took the best player and top scorer award. He come to a new environment in a big club,” Ouaddou said.
Orlando Pirates new man impressed
“He has a lot of quality, as you have seen today (Saturday). But we still have to improve him and bring him to the highest level. It’s not easy when you are coming to a new country, with a new culture. He has to integrate himself into the team and learn the language,” he added.
The Orlando Pirates coach admitted that there was a lot of expectation for the midfielder.
“The expectation for him is like all the other players, to give his best for Orlando Pirates, because there is a lot of expectations inside the country and the continent, and he knows that. I think he is a top man, good personality, and he is a good player,” Ouaddou said.
Can Mariko be a surprise signing of the season?
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