Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has spoken highly of the team’s head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, praising his leadership and character.
Since joining the Buccaneers during the off-season, Ouaddou has brought a new level of success to the team, leading them to win the MTN8 and currently sitting in second position in the Betway Premiership.
Pirates are also in the Carling Knockout final, where they will face Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December.
According to Ncikazi, Ouaddou’s leadership style is reflective of his character.
“Football and sport reflect the society that we’re coming from,” Ncikazi said.
“One thing that I’ve picked up from coach Ouaddou is that before as a coach, he is a good human being, he understands that he’s African, and he respects African people.”
Ncikazi also highlighted Ouaddou’s confidence and trust in his players, citing the Moroccan’s statement,
“I will use the experts that I find in the club.”
Ncikazi added: “There are very few coaches who do that because we don’t trust each other as coaches and are always scared to step behind, and only a confident coach and a good human being can do that.”
The former Golden Arrows mentor also praised Ouaddou’s warm and affectionate nature, saying, “The relationship just explains that he says he doesn’t kiss anybody but kisses people that are close to him. I think that is a sign that whatever we do together, and I appreciate him, and hence the results speak about him.”
Ncikazi attributed the team’s success to the spiritual energy and unification among the players.
“This is a very spiritual team, it’s a spiritual sport, and the unification energy amongst us gives the results, and I hope it continues, and this club becomes successful,” he said.
Ncikazi will be hoping that the team can add another trophy to their collection following the MTN8 title.
The team’s success has also been reflected in the national team, with more than six Pirates players earning call-ups this season, a first for the club.
Pirates are also currently second in the Betway Premiership with 22 points in 10 games, just two games behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 25 points in 12 games.
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