{
  "id": 6802561,
  "title": "Why Pirates’ Ouaddou sees Dlamini as his ‘Zidane’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/why-pirates-ouaddou-sees-dlamini-as-his-zidane",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T21:03:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/pirates-ouaddou-dlamini-zidane/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou sees Kabelo Dlamini as his future playmaker, likening him to the legendary Zinedine Zidane. Despite being injured and missing the current season, Dlamini has returned to training with other players, including striker Evidence Makgopa and midfielder Thalente Mbatha. The Buccaneers have lost key creative players Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi this season, but Ouaddou believes Dlamini's return will greatly benefit the team. \"Dlamini is putting in a great effort every day to come back and be available for the team,\" Ouaddou stated. \"He is a player who can make quick decisions.\" Pirates face Mauritian side La Cure Waves in the second leg of their Caf Champions League qualifier, seeking to advance after a goalless draw in the first match. Ouaddou emphasized the importance of scoring goals in the upcoming game, stating, \"We didn't score but we kept our chance of going to the next phase.\" He added, \"In the first game, it was important to give opportunities to some players, and some of the younger players showed satisfaction knowing they can be used when needed. But tomorrow is another game, we have to qualify. We will see another team, another profile of player. Tomorrow we will definitely show an attacking profile.\"",
  "summary": "'Zidane was not quick, but he knew before receiving the ball where the ball was going to go. We need that in the middle,' said the Pirates head coach.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ouaddou compares Dlamini to Zinedine Zidane.",
    "Dlamini injured, training with Pirates team.",
    "Pirates aim to advance in Caf Champions League."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}