The spotlight will be firmly on Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou this weekend, with his future potentially riding on the outcome of Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The game, set for Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, comes at a time when the Buccaneers are desperate to bounce back from two consecutive defeats.
A Tough Start for the New Boss
Ouaddou, who took over from Jose Riveiro in June, was expected to make an instant impact.
Instead, results have been mixed, and the pressure is starting to show.
While some performances have been encouraging, the lack of goals and missed opportunities have left fans and club legends questioning his decisions.
Mbuyane’s Verdict on Pirates’ Struggles
Former Pirates star Thulasizwe Mbuyane believes the coach’s team selection has been puzzling.
Speaking to KickOff, he praised the team’s effort in their recent match against Sekhukhune United but noted they were “just unfortunate not to score.”
He also credited Sekhukhune for their disciplined defending.
However, Mbuyane hinted that Ouaddou may be experimenting too much with unfamiliar players.
“Hopefully, he saw his mistake, and Mandla Ncikazi must also help him understand these boys better,” he said.
“With the squad depth he has, I couldn’t understand where he was failing.
But let’s give him a bit of time. Saturday’s game will determine whether he’s worthy to keep or not.”
Another Legend Questions the Tactics
It’s not just Mbuyane voicing concerns. Former Bafana Bafana and Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs also weighed in, suggesting Ouaddou is complicating a job that should have been straightforward.
“There is no excuse for him not to go on and win things,” Josephs said. “It seems like he’s trying to put his own philosophy on the team.
But why, when all you need to do is tweak here and there?”
High Stakes Against Sundowns
The clash with Mamelodi Sundowns isn’t just another cup game — it’s a test of character for Ouaddou and his team.
A win could ease the pressure and buy him more time, while a poor result could see the club’s management start thinking about their options.
With Pirates’ passionate fan base watching closely, the stakes couldn’t be higher.