Orlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou wins PSL Coach of the Month award

Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou has been named the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for August after leading the reigning champions to three victories and a draw in their opening four matches, while AmaZulu striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Brayan Leon also collected monthly awards.

Pirates began the month with a 2-0 victory over Milford before drawing 1-1 with AmaZulu. They then defeated Chippa United 3-0 and Sekhukhune United 2-0, a run of results that moved them to the top of the Betway Premiership table.

The Premier Soccer League confirmed Ouaddou’s award and said the French-born coach had continued the form that earned him the final Betway Premiership Coach of the Month prize of last season in May.

“Orlando Pirates coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou was named Coach of the Month after guiding the reigning Betway Premiership champions to three wins and a draw in their opening four matches. Ouaddou’s accolade sees him continue from where he left off last season after winning the last Betway Premiership Coach of the Month award in May last season,” the PSL stated.

Ouaddou’s award comes after an unbeaten start to the campaign for Pirates, who established themselves as the early leaders following their four August fixtures.

Ngwenya claimed the Player of the Month prize after a prolific spell for AmaZulu. The striker scored five goals and provided one assist across the club’s four matches during August.

He finished ahead of TS Galaxy forward Victor Letsoalo and Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema in the voting for the individual award.

“Ngwenya claimed the Betway Premiership Player of the Month award after scoring five goals in four matches for AmaZulu FC. His form has also seen him move to the top of the Betway Premiership goalscoring charts, subsequently contributing to the Durban-based side’s fourth place on the table,” the statement read.

Ngwenya’s goals have taken him to the top of the league’s scoring standings and helped AmaZulu rise to fourth in the table. His award recognises a month in which he directly contributed to six goals for the Durban-based club.

The third August honour went to Brayan Leon, who won the Goal of the Month award for a spectacular volley against AmaZulu.

Leon’s strike was selected ahead of efforts from Teboho Mokoena and Siwelele’s Vincent Pule. The award completed the August honours announced by the Premier Soccer League, with Pirates, AmaZulu and Leon each represented among the winners.

The monthly awards recognise the leading coaching, attacking and individual moments from the opening August fixtures in the Betway Premiership.