Pirates’ Ouaddou backs ‘talented’ Maswangayi to fill Mofokeng void

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Patrick Maswanganyi for his promising talent, stating that the young forward will be essential in filling the void left by Relebohile Mofokeng’s departure. Mofokeng, who has been a key player for the Buccaneers for several seasons, recently transferred to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.

Despite the club's concerns following Mofokeng's exit, Ouaddou expressed confidence in Maswanganyi, saying that the young player possesses "fantastic quality" and can effectively link the defense with the strikers. The coach also highlighted Maswanganyi's ability to score in the last third of the field, indicating that the forward has the potential to significantly impact the team's performance.

Furthermore, Ouaddou revealed that the coach and the player have been working closely together, conducting video sessions to determine the best position for Maswanganyi to optimize his efficiency. The coach emphasized that Maswanganyi is a "clever boy" who understands the coach's expectations and has demonstrated this understanding in the recent match.

In response to critics who have questioned his approach to disciplining his players, Ouaddou defended his methods, asserting that his communication style is best understood by those who know the players well.