Abdeslam Ouaddou Shower Praises on Orlando Pirates New Signing After Heroic Performance in MTN8

Abdeslam Ouaddou Shower Praises on Orlando Pirates New Signing After Heroic Performance in MTN8

  • Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou spoke about the arrival of Zambian forward Gamphani Lungu at the club
  • Lungu joined the Buccaneers from Siwelele after scoring a hat-trick against Mamelodi Sundowns last season
  • Ouaddou revealed what made Lungu's transition into the squad smoother than most new signings

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has welcomed the signing of Zambia international Gamphani Lungu, describing the forward as someone who already belonged to the club long before putting pen to paper.

Lungu made the move to Pirates from Siwelele ahead of the new season, having played a prominent role in the Buccaneers' league title victory last term. His most notable contribution came in a decisive clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, in which he scored a hat-trick that proved pivotal in swinging the title race in Pirates' favour.

**Lungu Already Felt Like a Buccaneer**

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Ouaddou said that moment cemented Lungu's place in the hearts of the Pirates camp before he even officially joined the club.

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"This boy helped us to win the title last season, so you know, I was not surprised when he came here, he was very excited and happy to join such a big club, from last season he was already part of the family," Ouaddou said.

The coach added that Lungu's adjustment to life at one of the country's biggest clubs had been seamless from the outset.

"So he integrated very well, he's giving his best," Ouaddou said. "I always say you short or long time for recruits when coming into a new club, but with him we opened our heart to him and he was part of the family – it's like he's been here long a time."

**Fresh Attacking Option for Pirates**

Lungu's arrival gives Ouaddou greater depth in attack as Pirates aim to defend their league title in the season ahead. The coach expressed confidence that the Zambia international would make an immediate impact at the club.

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For Ouaddou, the signing carries added significance beyond typical recruitment. Lungu's contribution to the title-winning campaign has already earned him the respect and trust of the group, making the usual settling-in period largely unnecessary.

Pirates begin their title defence with high expectations, and Ouaddou appears keen to integrate Lungu into his plans from the earliest opportunity.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.