Orlando Pirates have ushered in a new era following the announcement of former Marumo Gallants gaffer Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan manager has some big shoes to fill following the departure of Jose Riveiro, who won five trophies in three years at the club.
Ouaddou will have the complex task of not only introducing his playing style to the squad but also has to merge an array of new signings with established Buccaneers. The latest arrival is Mamelodi Sundowns man Sipho Mbule, which has Orlando Pirates’ new coach seemingly excited for the future.
In an interview during his Gallants days, he told Radio947, “Another player, I love him [Mbule], his style of play.”
“And I know that maybe his behaviour is not so good, but I think it’s a question of management. These players need management, somebody to be close to them.”
“To make them understand that they are good players, but they have to manage their lifestyle – it’s Mbule.”
“Mbule is a fantastic player, it’s the kind of player I’d like to have in my team.”
What’s happening with Saleng?
Monnapule Saleng’s future at Orlando Pirates remains one of South African soccer’s greatest mysteries. The 27-year-old hasn’t featured since last December but was spotted in training for the first time in four months towards the latter end of the 2024/25 campaign.
If Ouaddou wants the Bloemhof native, there’s every reason to believe he could help rekindle the player-club relationship. Often a coach introducing a new ethos, ideology and playing style is the remedy to forgetting the past.
The newly crowned manager is yet to comment on Saleng.
What should Orlando Pirates do about Saleng?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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