Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains Why He Selected Cemran Dansin Against Mamelodi Sundowns, Wonder Goal
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared his thoughts after being asked why he decided to star Cemran Dansin in a big Betway Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns
- The South African midfielder impressed and scored a wonderful goal that earned the Soweto giants a deserved point against the defending champions
- The Moroccan coach's reaction to taking a risk with Dansin sparked different opinions from fans on social media
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he started Cemran Dansin in their 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Loftus Versfeld.
Source: Getty Images
The South African youngster was influential in the Pirates' midfield and scored a wonderful strike in the 67th minute to equalise for the Bucs after Peter Shalulile gave the hosts the lead earlier in the match.
The 20-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the Pirates’ starting line-up, as coach Ouaddou opted to leave more experienced players like Patrick Maswanganyi and summer signing Sipho Mbule on the bench.
Ouaddou on taking risks with Dansin
Ouaddou admitted after the match that his decision to start the youngster was a risky one that could have drawn criticism had it failed.
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However, he emphasised that he will continue to give young players opportunities. He explained that, as someone who has worked in player development for several years, he believes it is important to give talented South African youngsters the platform to shine.
Source: Instagram
The former Marumo Gallants head coach added that the experience gained from such big matches would help players like Denson grow and develop, reaffirming his commitment to continue trusting and nurturing local youth talent.
The Moroccan tactician’s explanation drew mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some praising his bold approach and others questioning the exclusion of senior players.
Mbazo.Mamba said:
"We lost first 6 points of the season because of his rubbish gambling, sidelining Mbatha and other players🤔 Now he's starting with his nonsense sidelining Mbatha and experimenting 🚮 What makes him think we are happy with that draw? Wasn't he supposed to go for maximum points?"
Phiwo Phakiso implied:
"When Jose featured Mbokazi against Sundowns last season, we all clapped hands for him somehow, when Ouaddou does the same, it's a problem."
Kf_kwazi reacted:
"The boy played well, especially in the second half, when he was removed we lost our impetus."
Ezekiel Nkutha said:
"Excellent Wadu for giving young players opportunities. Chiefs coaches must learn from Pirates coach and provide opportunities for Baartman, Naledi, Velebayi, Mabaso, Duba and all players who have not played to contribute to AMAKHOSI's success."
Oom_Chris commented:
"Even his reasoning for bringing in Dansin is worrying. You don’t Gamble like that Against Sundowns, he needed a player like Mbatha to occupy all the pocket passes Sundowns made. Especially Allende and Santos."
Owen Kowa shared:
"Coach just didn't want to win this game. The plan of trying to win against Sundowns with Densil and Namtajela is very questionable. We were playing against Sundowns, not Magesi. We need Bafana players to beat Bafana players."
LLOYD_KOENA added:
"Why is he not giving Simphiwe Selepe a chance? Jose left a good team, only for Ouaddou to disband that team and create his own new thing.... If this guy doesn't win a league, he must go."
Ouaddou explains Mbatha, Makgopa's absence
Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why Thalente Mbatha and Makgopa didn't make his matchay squad for the game against Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.
The Moroccan coach started the match without a recognised striker and the tactics paid off as the Bucs pulled a comeback, but lost the round on penalty shootout.
Source: Briefly News
