Orlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou and AmaZulu’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya win August awards

Abdeslam Ouaddou has been named Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for August, while AmaZulu forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has won the first PSL Player of the Month award of the 2026/27 season.

Ouaddou received the coaching accolade after guiding Orlando Pirates through an unbeaten opening month of their title defence. Pirates won three of their four league matches and drew the other, collecting 10 points to finish top of the table.

They were level on points with second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, but led the standings on goal difference.

Pirates made an impressive start in all areas. They scored 12 goals, conceded only once and recorded four clean sheets during the month. Their sole goal against came in a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu.

The Johannesburg club also secured a place in the MTN8 final, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.

Ouaddou’s achievement comes during a period of considerable change at Pirates. The club began the campaign in the middle of a rebuilding process after losing several players, including Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule and Deano van Rooyen.

The team have also had to cope with a growing injury list. Sihle Nduli, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Nkosinathi Sibisi have all been ruled out.

Despite those departures and absences, Pirates produced the strongest league record in August and established an early advantage in the title race.

Ngwenya, meanwhile, was recognised after a prolific month for AmaZulu. The attacker scored five goals in four league appearances, helping Usuthu make a positive start to the new season.

AmaZulu won three of their matches, drew one and lost one, leaving them well placed to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish.

Head coach Arthur Zwane will hope Ngwenya can maintain his form without becoming fatigued as the campaign develops.

AmaZulu’s only defeat came against Mamelodi Sundowns. In that match, Sundowns forward Brayan Leon scored with a half-volley that was subsequently voted the league’s Goal of the Month.

The August awards recognise the contrasting contributions of two key figures at clubs that have made strong starts to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. Ouaddou’s Pirates currently lead the standings, while Ngwenya’s goals have helped AmaZulu establish themselves among the early contenders near the top of the table.