Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has opened up on the doubts that surrounded Abdeslam Ouaddou when he took charge at the start of the season.
The French-Moroccan tactician took over from Jose Riveiro, who had departed after building a formidable side that claimed five trophies in his three seasons at the club.
Ouaddou has already secured one trophy and could clinch a second on Saturday when Pirates take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Chaine says there were many doubts about Ouaddou at first, but asserts the former AS Vita coach has come in and elevated the team’s performance.
“He’s helped us a lot this season, he came in and there was lots of doubts which is normal,” said Chaine.
“He came and put us together as a team and I think as a collective, one of the things we’ve gotten better is to come together as a group.”
Chaine says Ouaddou has notably improved their defensive organisation, with the unit now much tighter because every player—rather than only the defenders—takes part in the defensive work.
“We don’t just defend with four players [at the back] and the goalkeeper,” he added.
“If you can see what the wingers, the strikers do. It’s the very important thing and he’s put that to us.”
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