Orlando Pirates supporters appear to have the full backing of Abdeslam Ouaddou after seven straight wins across all competitions.
The 46-year-old Moroccan coach replaced Jose Riveiro in June, but there were already doubts about his coaching abilities even before the season started. With no history of success with big teams, it seems as if the Soweto giants were downgrading.
His first two league matches ended in defeats and there were already calls for his head early in August. Ouaddou weathered the storm and managed to find a perfect combination in defence, attack and midfield.
So far, the Buccaneers have retained the MTN8 and are in a good position to chase the Betway Premiership.
How Abdeslam Ouaddou can make Pirates even better
In three years, Riveiro won five trophies, which include three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies. Unfortunately, the Spaniard never won the league, finishing runner-up three successive seasons. His team were good in cup competitions, having reached six finals in just three years with the club.
Should Ouaddou win the league, he would have matched Riveiro’s success, given that the Pirates supporters have always valued the Betway Premiership more than other domestic cups. A CAF Champions League triumph is what will make him a legend at the club, irrespective of where the team finishes this year.
The way Pirates are playing, it is more likely that they will add another trophy to their cabinet. A domestic treble for the Moroccan this season will no doubt put him above Riveiro.
What makes Pirates dangerous under Ouaddou?
The team has depth in every position thanks to the many signings they made during the transfer window. The likes of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele have added pace and goals upfront, while the likes of Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli and Masindi Nemtajela have injected more like into the midfield.
In defence, the Buccaneers have always had cover, but with young Lebone Seema and Mbekezeli Mbokazi doing the job at the back, it seems Ouaddou has built a monster this season. Experienced players like Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki have found it hard to break into the first team.