
Orlando Pirates: New maestro arrives, Chiefs fear Ouaddou
Orlando Pirates have a new midfield maestro and a new tactician. Is this statistic something to make Kaizer Chiefs fans afraid?
Abdeslam Ouaddou over-achieved with Marumo Gallants in a short stint there.
Meanwhile, Abdoulaye Mariko arrives at the club.
Seven new faces at Orlando Pirates
Abdeslam's STELLAR playing career in numbers
Ouaddou used a 4-2-3-1 with Marumo Gallants and made his side difficult to beat. In 10 Betway Premiership matches in charge, he won four, drew four and lost just two. With 1.6 points per game, his average tally was far superior to that of Kaizer Chiefs, who only scraped together 1.14 points per game. Some fans say Ouaddou would finish higher than Chiefs while coaching a relegation-threatened side.
Click for more on Ouaddou
The Sea Robbers have swooped to sign the relatively unknown Abdoulaye Mariko from Djoliba. The midfield schemer played seven times in the Champions League last season.
Click for the story
Is Moremi the new Segolela?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
15 minutes ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates to make double signings from Africa?
Orlando Pirates might complete a 10th signing before the 2025/26 Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League seasons. As reported last week, the Buccaneers signed Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli and Sipho Mbule. A ninth signing that is imminent is the 23-year-old Mali international Abdouyale Mariko, and that's not all. According to the latest reports, Orlando Pirates have submitted an offer to sign another Malian star, Sadio Kounate. Orlando Pirates star 'won't have time to drink alcohol' Sadio Kounate in action for Simba SC in the Tanzania Premier League. Image: @Kiddy871/X According to AfrikaFoot and Soccer Laduma , Orlando Pirates have offered R10 million for the services of the Kounate without caring to whom, as Kounate is currently a free agent. The 28-year-old left Malian giants Stade Malien in June after he helped the club to a title and the domestic cup. Kaizer Chiefs to finally announce eight players 'According to Afrikafoot , the Soweto giants are considering tabling an offer in the region of €500,000 (approximately R10m) to lure Kanoute, who previously turned out for Simba SC in Tanzania,' the report stated. In the meantime, Orlando Pirates are preparing to make a third consecutive trip to Spain for pre-season training. Makhehleni Makhaula Sihle Nduli Masindi Nemtajela Abdoulaye Mariko. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
25 minutes ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Ndah injury update, while Mofokeng garners attention
Orlando Pirates were forced to make do without centre-back Olisa Ndah for the majority of last season following a tibia fracture that had him ruled out since September. The Nigerian international is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025/26 campaign – however, it remains uncertain as to whether he will be fit for next month's pre-season tour in Spain, where the Buccaneers will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos FC, Las Palmas, and Granada. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are presumably feeling inundated by Relebohile Mofokeng inquiries after MLS side FC Cincinnati were the latest to show interest. Egyptian giants Zamalek FC and Ah Ahly are also in the conversation. Mofokeng's father, Sechaba, who believes now is the time to head to Europe, is another reason why the Buccaneers will be somewhat expecting the worst this offseason. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba said '[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added. 'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.' Orlando Pirates players Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng and Deon Hotto. Image: Goal Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
31 minutes ago
- The South African
DONE DEAL: Orlando Pirates sign NINTH player!
Orlando Pirates have just signed another player – their NINTH so far. Orlando Pirates are planning big changes. This new player has been spotted in training with the Bucs. Meanwhile, reports claim that he has just signed a deal with Pirates. Introducing, Abdoulaye Mariko from Mali. 'The 23-year-old is understood to have penned a two-year deal with Pirates, which includes an option to extend by a further year,' the insider stated on KickOff. Furthermore, as reported on The South African, he is currently training with the Bucs. Mariko joins EIGHT new players who have recently signed for Pirates. So, he joins Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC, Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (Amazulu FC), Bafana Bafana international Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United). Neo Maema is the latest big-name Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star linked with Pirates. 'Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. Actually he was the first one even before Sipho Mbule. It has to be seen what will be the next move because apparently he still has one year on his contract with Sundowns. And Kaizer Chiefs are also believed to be interested in him,' the insider stated on SNL. Pirates are linked with several red-hot transfer targets from the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana, international stars and PSL rivals. Pirates have appointed a new head coach in Abdeslam Ouaddou. Furthermore, the new Bucs coach is tasked with the responsibility of appointing a new Pirates captain. This is because former club captain Innocent Maela has left the club. He is one of FOUR Pirates player departures with Miguel Timm, Thabiso Monyane and Paeko Mako all leaving the Bucs. Meanwhile, FOUR more Pirates player departures are on the cards. Whilst, Pirates are closing in on their next new signing with these Bafana Bafana and Sundowns stars on their radar. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.