Orlando Pirates have no less than nine players in the current Bafana Bafana squad to face Zambia on Saturday, 15 November at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
For coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, it’s no surprise that the Buccaneers are leading the way again.
ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS CENTRAL TO BAFANA BAFANA
The Moroccan-born tactician believes the Sea Robbers’ rise in the Betway Premiership has gone hand in hand with the professionalism and consistency shown by his squad. “First of all, I’d like to congratulate them because when you’re a part of the national team, you have to be proud,” Ouaddou told journalists.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos named Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Masindi Nemtajela, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, and Tshepang Moremi.
“It means that you have been selected among the best in your country,” the Orlando Pirates mentor added. “It shows as well that our club is working well.”
According to Ouaddou, the call-ups are a reflection of the Buccaneers’ everyday standards. “The club is creating the right environment for the players to perform. So, we are proud as a club and as a technical staff,” he explained.
“We will support them 1000% for playing for the country,” he said.
CARLING KNOCKOUT FINAL
Just weeks after celebrating MTN8 glory, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates have marched into yet another final. The Sea Robbers edged Richards Bay 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with Tshepang Moremi’s first-half strike sealing their place in the showpiece event.
For coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, it wasn’t the prettiest performance, but it was the kind that defines big teams. “I can’t say we had a fantastic game in terms of beautiful football,” the French-Moroccan tactician told the media. “But it’s a cup game, we saw a strong team with good organisation and discipline.”
Ouaddou credited his players for their mental toughness in a tense clash. “My players showed great resilience. Sometimes that’s all you need to reach the finals. It was a strong team performance throughout,” he said.
Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, edged Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw to set up a showdown with Orlando Pirates in the final.
Read more articles by Siseko Gwegwe here.