Ouaddou sees Zidane-like qualities in Dlamini as Pirates await return

Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Kabelo Dlamini’s vision and decision-making could provide a major boost to his side once the midfielder completes his recovery from injury.

Ouaddou was speaking at the Orlando Amstel Arena as Pirates completed their preparations for the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against La Cure Waves of Mauritius.

The Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw in the opening match in Port Louis last weekend, leaving the tie to be decided in Soweto.

Dlamini has not played for Pirates since November 2025, when he came on for the final 10 minutes of their match against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium. However, the 30-year-old has resumed training with the squad ahead of the return fixture.

His involvement has prompted questions about when he might be ready to return to competitive action, particularly as Pirates continue to seek creativity in the number 10 role following the departures of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Ouaddou praised Dlamini’s commitment during his rehabilitation and said the midfielder was working hard every day to become available for selection.

“Dlamini is doing a great effort every day to come back and to be available for the team. I really appreciate the great spirit that he’s showing every day in training,” Ouaddou told the media.

The French-Moroccan coach said players with Dlamini’s attributes were especially valuable because they could produce passes in tight areas that others might not see.

“These kind of players in the middle, in your team, are always important because they have a lot of creativity,” he said.

“They are able to find these kinds of passes that not everybody can find in the small space. It’s a player that is able to have a quick decision-making.”

Ouaddou explains Dlamini comparison

Ouaddou added that attacking midfielders must be able to assess their options before the ball reaches them, rather than waiting until they are in possession to decide what to do.

“And like I was speaking before, in this area of the game, you need players who can take a decision before receiving the ball,” he explained.

To illustrate the quality he values, Ouaddou referred to former France and Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane, while stressing that he was not directly comparing him with Dlamini.

“I don’t want to compare him to Zinedine Zidane. But if you remember, Zinedine Zidane was not a quick player,” Ouaddou said.

“But before receiving the ball, he knows where he’s going to give the ball. That is what we need, actually, in the middle.”

Dlamini’s eventual return would give Pirates another option in an attacking midfield area where they need players capable of unlocking compact defences and supplying creative solutions.