Msendami’s first Pirates goal boosts confidence, says Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Daniel Msendami’s first goal for the club could prove important for the forward’s confidence after a difficult start to life with the Buccaneers.

Msendami came off the bench in the second half and completed a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday.

The goal was Msendami’s first since joining Orlando Pirates in January. Ouaddou believes the moment was significant for a player who has had to be patient while adapting to a new club and competing for a place in a strong squad.

The Pirates coach previously worked with Msendami at Marumo Gallants, meaning he is familiar with the forward’s ability and remains convinced that he can make a valuable contribution to the team.

Ouaddou was also encouraged by the reaction of the Pirates players and technical staff after Msendami scored. He said the way the squad celebrated showed how highly the player is regarded within the dressing room.

“Look, I think the behaviour of the whole team, of the technical staff, to go towards him shows how this boy is appreciated in the dressing room, how this boy has a big heart for the team,” said Ouaddou.

“He’s somebody who was dreaming to play for Pirates. I know coming in a big club like that, sometimes it’s not easy. Sometimes you have to be patient because there is a lot of competition, but he gets there.

“He’s holding, he’s working and we start to see the benefit of his work. I was very happy about his goal. Like you said, it’s very important for his confidence.

“But me, all the time I had this trust on him because I know him from a previous club and I know what he can bring for the club. He has a different profile regarding the other ones, but I’m sure we will be able to use him in different games.”

Msendami’s appearance against Chippa United came as a substitute, but Ouaddou suggested the forward’s continued effort is beginning to produce results. The coach said the player had continued working despite the challenges of settling at a major club, where competition for places can make regular opportunities difficult to secure.

The Pirates manager also indicated that Msendami offers characteristics different from those of the club’s other options in attack. That variety, he believes, could allow Orlando Pirates to use the forward in different matches as the season progresses.

Ouaddou’s comments follow a result in which Orlando Pirates scored three times without conceding against Chippa United. Msendami’s contribution was the final goal of the match and gave him a first strike since his January move.

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