Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that new signing Abdoulaye Mariko made a strong first impression, but insists the young forward must quickly learn English to fully settle into life in South Africa.
Mariko, 22, came off the bench during Pirates’ 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 opener, producing a lively second-half cameo that thrilled the crowd and sparked growing excitement around his potential impact in the upcoming season.
From Mali’s best to Bucs’ hope
The former Djoliba forward arrived at Mayfair with high expectations after a stunning campaign in the Malian Ligue 1, where he claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards. His namesake, also Abdoulaye Mariko, joined Pirates from Djoliba as well but will spend the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Chippa United.
Ouaddou recognised the potential in his new recruit but stressed the importance of adapting both on and off the pitch.
“Mariko is a very interesting young player, he was the top scorer in Mali, he took the award as the best player in the league and top scorer, he’s come in a new environment in a big club,” Ouaddou said.
‘Learning English is his first task’
While praising Mariko’s talent and debut display, the coach underlined the challenges of adapting to a new culture, environment and team dynamic.
“He has lots of quality, as you may have seen today, but we still need to improve him and bring him to the high level. It’s not easy when you’re coming into a new country, with new culture – he has to integrate himself to the team, have to learn the language.”
“It’s the first thing I told him he has to do, to learn English in order to integrate himself in the team – but the expectation for him is like all the players, to give his best and be the best for Orlando Pirates, because there’s a lot of expectation, inside the country and on the continent.”
Promising Pirates debut
Mariko featured alongside five other debutants during Pirates’ confident start to the new season. Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi all pulled on the jersey for the first time.
Ouaddou remains optimistic about Mariko’s potential, stating.
“And he knows that, I think he’s a top man, the personality is good and he’s a good player, yeah.”
Will Mariko be a hit at Orlando Pirates?
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