Orlando Pirates boss Ouaddou praises title hero Lungu after Siwelele move

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Zambia international Gamphani Lungu was already regarded as part of the club’s family before completing his move from Siwelele.

Lungu played an important role in Pirates’ league title success last season and is now officially part of Ouaddou’s squad. The forward’s most notable contribution came in a crucial match against title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, when he scored a hat-trick to help Pirates secure a vital victory.

Ouaddou believes that previous connection has allowed Lungu to settle quickly at the Buccaneers, despite the move representing a new stage in the player’s career.

“This boy helped us to win the title last season, so you know, I was not surprised when he came here, he was very excited and happy to join such a big club, from last season he was already part of the family,” Ouaddou said.

The coach said Lungu has embraced his new surroundings and responded positively to the demands that come with playing for one of the country’s biggest clubs.

“So he integrated very well, he’s giving his best,” he added.

Ouaddou explained that players normally need time to adjust after joining a new club, but said Pirates had immediately made Lungu feel welcome.

“I always say you short or long time for recruits when coming into a new club, but with him we opened our heart to him and he was part of the family – it’s like he’s been here long a time.”

Lungu’s arrival gives Ouaddou another attacking option as Orlando Pirates attempt to build on last season’s league triumph. His performances during the title-winning campaign mean he is not an unfamiliar figure to the club or its supporters, and the coach is confident he can contribute without requiring a lengthy settling-in period.

The Zambia international’s hat-trick against Mamelodi Sundowns was particularly significant because it came in a match that had a direct bearing on the title race. That display helped Pirates claim an important win over their rivals and strengthened Lungu’s association with the club before his transfer from Siwelele.

For Ouaddou, Lungu’s status at Orlando Pirates therefore extends beyond that of a conventional new recruit. The forward had already played a meaningful part in the club’s success, and his previous contribution helped create the sense that he belonged at Pirates before he joined them.

The coach’s comments underline the importance of that relationship as Lungu begins life with the Buccaneers. Rather than having to establish himself from the beginning, he has arrived with the trust of a squad that already knows what he can offer.

His immediate task is to continue providing an attacking threat for the reigning league champions, while Ouaddou will hope the forward can reproduce the influence he had during Pirates’ successful campaign last season.