Abdeslam Ouaddou Praised for Bold Decision to Start Cemran Dansin Against Mamelodi Sundowns
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has been backed for his decision to start Cemran Dansin in Orlanod Pirates' tie against Mamelodi Sundowns
- The former Marumo Gallants head coach was criticised when the line-up was released, but the youngster delivered a brilliant goal in the game
- A football analyst, while chatting with Briefly News, analysed the decision taken by the Orlando Pirates mentor
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was criticised for starting Cemran Dansin during the Buccaneers' 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
Source: Instagram
The South African youngster repaid the trust the Moroccan manager had in him by scoring a beautiful goal that levelled the scoreline after Peter Shalulile had initially given the home side the lead.
The 20-year-old was praised for his performance against the Brazilians, with a former Kaizer Chiefs star also joining the public to hail the young midfielder.
A football analyst has also joined the Premier Soccer League giants' fans to comment on the former Marumo Gallants manager's decision to start the youngster.
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Ouaddou backed for starting Dansin
Football analyst Uche Anuma, while chatting with Briefly News, suggested that Ouaddou made the right decision to start Dansin against the Brazilians.
He also mentioned the only problem with the former Fulham midfielder's decision to start Dansin against the Betway Premiership defending champions.
"I think Ouaddou didn't do anything bad in making that surprise call of infusing Dansin in the line-up," he said.
"There were doubts about his inclusion, which is natural. I was also surprised that Sipho Mbule and Patrick Maswanganyi were on the bench for a 20-year-old star.
"The boy ended up repaying the manager's trust in him with that 'Goal of the Season' contender. The only issue I see is the timing, and the kind of game Ouaddou decided to include him in the starting line-up is a big one, and the pressure might be too much for him."
Anuma also opened up on what made Ouaddou escape criticism and avoid dragging attention from both the Bucs' fans and other pundits.
"Ouaddou's saving grace for starting Dansin in this kind of big match is that Orlando Pirates didn’t lose the game, and the youngster also scored," he added.
"It would have been a ball game entirely if the Sea Robbers had lost the tie or the youngster had made a silly mistake that cost the team. I am glad with his reaction after the game that he was ready to bear the cost of his choice of line-up."
Source: Instagram
What's next for Orlando Pirates?
Orlando Pirates' next focus would be their all-important clash against Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and also their midweek fixture against Lamontville Golden Arrows. A win for Ouaddou's side would send them to another final under the Moroccan manager this season.
The Sea Robbers have already won a title this season after defeating Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at the beginning of this campaign.
Dansin reacts to his goal vs Sundowns
Briefly News earlier reported that Dansin shared his thoughts after scoring a wonder goal in Pirates' draw against Sundowns.
The South African midfielder appreciated a set of people after featuring in a big game in the Premier Soccer League.
Source: Briefly News
