Orlando Pirates Urged to Sack Abdeslam Ouaddou Ahead of Sundowns Clash This Weekend
Orlando Pirates began the season on a good note as they secured a resounding victory against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final, but they failed to replicate that performance in their first two matches in the Betway Premiership.
The Soweto giants are rated as league title favourites alongside city rivals Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but their poor start has cast doubts over their place among the favourites.
Abdeslam Ouaddou was appointed as the Buccaneers' new coach this summer after Jose Riveiro decided to leave the club at the end of last season. However, the Moroccan tactician has not enjoyed a good start, which has led to fans calling for the return of the new Al Ahly coach.
The Bucs suffered back-to-back defeats in the league, first against Sekhukhune United last weekend and a midweek loss to Ouaddou's former club, Marumo Gallants.
A sports journalist told Briefly News that the Premier Soccer League giants need to make a quick decision and let the former Fulham midfielder go before things spiral out of control this season.
Pirates urged to sack Ouaddou
Sports journalist Uche Anuma, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, urged Pirates to follow the same template as Sundowns last season by sacking Ouaddou before it's too late for them to recover the lost points.
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The Soweto-based side is preparing to face Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final this weekend, and it could be the final straw for their newly appointed coach.
“It’s quite unfortunate that Pirates’ poor start this season has started putting doubts in the minds of most of us who had high hopes that they would dethrone Sundowns as Betway Premiership champions this season,” he said.
“It might be early to judge Ouaddou, but losing your first two league matches of the season while coaching a top side in the PSL raises serious questions from the fans and the club management.
“I think it’s better they let go of him before it’s too late. Bucs should take lessons from Sundowns’ decision to sack Manqoba Mngqithi for Miguel Cardoso last season when they saw the signs.
“The game against Sundowns this weekend might be decisive for Ouaddou's stay as Pirates coach. Losing that match might cost him his job even before their next league match.”
Anuma also explained why he feels Ouaddou should be sacked if Pirates lose to Sundowns this weekend.
“Pirates have always been good against Sundowns, especially in cup games in recent times, so that puts more pressure on Ouaddou to get the required result this weekend,” he added.
“Aside from Pirates’ recent good cup record against Sundowns, this man has been handed some of the best players in the PSL, with nearly 10 new quality players signed.
“There’s no excuse for him not to get a win and secure a place in the final, and he must win the MTN8.”
Ouaddou explains Mabasa's snub against Sekhukhune
Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou opened up on why Tshegofatso Mabasa was absent in Pirates' defeat against Sekhukhune United.
The Bafana Bafana striker has missed the first two official matches for the Soweto giants this season.
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Source: Briefly News
