Mmolai ‘diamond’ delight for Ouaddou as new Pirates signing targets league bow

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes new midfielder Matome Mmolai has the potential to be “a diamond” for the club as the champions begin the defence of their Betway Premiership title this weekend.

The 24-year-old joined the Buccaneers ahead of their pre-season tour of Spain from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City, and has already made a strong impression on his new head coach with both his attitude and his performances in training. \Age not specified in original article.

Ouaddou, speaking at the Betway Premiership launch this week, praised the creative midfielder’s seamless adaptation to life at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs and highlighted his character as much as his talent.

“He has been doing well so far. I was really impressed. I was not expecting to integrate into our collective so quickly. He is a very good human being, very respectful. He has very strong values that I like. He has a lot of respect, but at the same time he is somebody who can bring us his creativity. His creativity, his freshness is very important, you know. We are looking forward to seeing him,” Ouaddou told media.

“Of course, there are certain areas where we are going to help him for his decision making. But I think he has big potential and we are going to help him. It’s a diamond that we have to polish.”

The Moroccan coach’s enthusiasm underlines how highly Pirates rate Mmolai, who is expected to compete for a place in an already crowded midfield department this season.

Midfield competition at champions Pirates

Mmolai arrives at Orlando Amstel Arena with a reputation as one of the standout players in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last term, where he dictated play for Leicesterford City with his passing range, vision and composure in possession.

Those qualities are seen within Pirates as precisely what he will be asked to provide when given his chance in the first team, even though he will have to battle established names for regular minutes in the centre of the pitch.

Competition for places is expected to be intense as Pirates look to retain their Betway Premiership crown, but Ouaddou has made clear he sees Mmolai as a long-term project who can develop into a key figure for the club.

The coach stressed that while the newcomer’s technical ability and creativity are already evident, the staff will work closely with him on aspects such as decision-making in order to adapt to the demands and tempo of top-flight football.

Pre-season taste as league debut looms

Mmolai featured during the Buccaneers’ pre-season trip to Spain, giving Ouaddou and his backroom team a first extended look at how he fits into their tactical structure and how quickly he can build relationships with new team-mates.

Those outings have increased expectations that the midfielder could soon make his competitive debut, with Pirates starting their Betway Premiership campaign at home to newly promoted Milford FC on Saturday.

The fixture at Orlando Amstel Arena will see the champions face top-flight rookies in their opening match, and Mmolai is likely to be eager to be involved in some capacity as he chases his first official appearance in Pirates colours.

Pirates will go into the contest aiming to begin their title defence with a positive result in front of their own supporters, while Milford FC prepare for their first taste of Betway Premiership action against one of the division’s traditional heavyweights.

While Ouaddou has not revealed whether Mmolai will start or come off the bench, his description of the former Leicesterford City playmaker as a “diamond” suggests the new arrival is firmly in the coach’s plans for both the immediate future and the seasons ahead.