Ouaddou rejects claims he is filling Orlando Pirates with Marumo Gallants players

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended the club’s recruitment process after the signing of midfielder Bheki Mabuza, insisting that the club’s scouting department deserves recognition.

Mabuza joined Pirates this past week in a deal which also saw his former teammate Daniel Msendami return to Marumo Gallants on loan, along with Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko.

The 24-year-old is the fourth player to move from Gallants to Pirates since Ouaddou left Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to take charge of the club in June last year.

But Ouaddou dismissed the suggestion that he was responsible for bringing a group of his former players to Pirates.

“Sometimes people think that I’m bringing all the people from Marumo Gallants over here,” he said jokingly.

“People must understand that this big club has a scouting department that is responsible for bringing people in based on their identity and how we want to play the game. People must stop thinking that coach is bringing all of Marumo this side.”

The other players to join Pirates from Gallants during Ouaddou’s time at the club are Nemtajela, Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane.

Midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi was also previously at Gallants and worked under Ouaddou, although he joined Pirates through Stellenbosch FC.

Mabuza’s route to the club differs from those players. He came through the Orlando Pirates development system before spells with M Tigers, who competed in the ABC Motsepe League, and Lerumo Lions in the National First Division.

Ouaddou believes the attacking midfielder can offer Pirates greater creativity in the final third and has the qualities to fit the team’s approach.

“Mabuza can help us in terms of quick decision making and making the last pass,” said the coach.

“He can enjoy a lot of activity in the heart of the game between the lines, and he is also able to score as well. He is able to play short and long, he can combine, and I really think he can fit into our system.

“The only question is, will he be able to handle the pressure of this club.”

Nkota facing further wait

Ouaddou also confirmed that Bafana Bafana attacker Mohau Nkota remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury.

Nkota, who is on loan from Saudi Pro club El Ettifaq, has not yet trained with Pirates since returning to Esgodini.

The coach said Nkota is expected to be available for action in three to four weeks.