Abdeslam Ouaddou Defends Struggling Bafana Bafana Star As Pressure Mounts at Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come out to defend a South African international amid serious criticism over his lack of goals this season.

The Moroccan tactician has been under fire since he started the 2025-26 Betway Premiership season with back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.

The former Marumo Gallants coach's only win for the Sea Robbers came in their quarter-final clash against Polokwane City in the MTN8.

Ouaddou backs Radiopane despite lack of goals

In a recent interview, Ouaddou defender Bafana Bafana striker Boitumelo Radiopane, despite failing to find the back of the net in their first four matches this season.

The Moroccan manager has stuck with the Pirates academy graduates ahead of Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa.

“Players like him make a coach’s job easy,” said Ouaddou. “He has a fantastic mentality — well-educated both on and off the pitch, respectful, and a hard worker. I’m lucky to have players like that to coach.

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“He’s a true professional. Whenever he’s called up, there are no complaints — even if he starts on the bench. When I gave him 10 minutes against Sundowns, I told him, ‘Son, go get your goal.’ He gave it everything and came close. That’s the attitude every coach wants."

The former Fulham United midfielder went on to appreciate being able to work with the quality of the players at Orlando Pirates and rated the squad's mentality as the best he's ever seen.

“I’m genuinely fortunate with this group at Pirates. The mentality in the dressing room is exceptional — one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Source: Briefly News