Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou Makes Surprising Kabelo Dlamini Comparison to Zinedine Zidane
- Kabelo Dlamini is closing in on a return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines at Orlando Pirates
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has highlighted a quality he believes could make the midfielder valuable to the Buccaneers
- The Pirates coach turned to Zinedine Zidane when explaining what separates players in Dlamini's position
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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has compared Kabelo Dlamini's footballing qualities to those associated with Zinedine Zidane as the midfielder continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Ouaddou made the comparison on Friday, 11 September 2026, while speaking to the media ahead of Pirates' CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg against La Cure Waves of Mauritius.
Dlamini, 30, has not played for Pirates since November 2025. He featured for the final 10 minutes against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium before his injury setback.
The midfielder has now returned to training, although Pirates have not confirmed when he will be available for competitive action.
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Ouaddou explains Dlamini's creative quality
Pirates are looking for more creativity in the number 10 role after the departures of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.
Asked whether Dlamini could provide a solution, Ouaddou praised the player's approach during his rehabilitation.
“Dlamini is doing a great effort every day to come back and to be available for the team.
"I really appreciate the great spirit that he's showing every day in training,” Ouaddou said, as reported by Soccer Laduma.
The coach added that players with Dlamini's attributes can be particularly important in midfield.
“These kinds of players in the middle, in your team, are always important because they have a lot of creativity,” he explained.
“They are able to find these kinds of passes that not everybody can find in the small space. It's a player that is able to have quick decision-making.”
Why Zinedine Zidane entered the conversation
Ouaddou then explained that anticipation can be just as important as speed for an attacking midfielder.
“I don't want to compare him to Zinedine Zidane,” he said. “But if you remember, Zinedine Zidane was not a quick player.”
“But before receiving the ball, he knows where he's going to give the ball. That is what we need, actually, in the middle.”
Dlamini's eventual return could therefore provide Ouaddou with another creative option as Pirates seek to improve their attacking midfield options.
The Buccaneers drew 0-0 away to La Cure Waves in the first leg and will need a result in the return fixture in Soweto to progress.
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Orlando Pirates face fresh Oswin Appollis transfer decision
Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates could face a major decision over Oswin Appollis after an unnamed European club reportedly made an approach for the Bafana Bafana winger.
The reported interest comes during an active transfer period for the Buccaneers, who have already seen Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi leave.
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