Former Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango, currently with Richards Bay FC, has lifted the lid on what makes Abdeslam Ouaddou tick.
The 33-year-old Malawian, who worked with the Moroccan tactician at Marumo Gallants, has offered insight into Ouaddou’s charisma.
ABDELSLAM OUADDOU’S IMPACT
Ouaddou has enjoyed a rapid rise since arriving in Soweto, already delivering two major trophies in the first half of the season. After a shaky start that raised eyebrows, Olrando Pirates shot up the Betway Premiership table.
Mhango, who worked closely with Ouaddou at Gallants, says the biggest thing that stood out was the coach’s deep connection to the game.
“Abdeslam is a coach who has a passion for football,” Mhango told KickOff. “He understands football, he played football, he knows football. You can see the passion his teams show at training.
For the Malawi international, those sessions were revealing long before results followed.
“I remember when we worked together at Marumo Gallants, at training I could see that yho! This guy enjoys this moment. You could see it from his face, he loves the game.”
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That passion, Mhango believes, is now translating into success at one of the biggest clubs in the country. With Orlando Pirates sitting top of the Betway Premiership table and holding a game in hand over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, belief inside the camp is growing.
Mhango feels the title race will come down to hunger and commitment, qualities he sees reflected in Ouaddou’s approach.
“As far as the league title race goes, I think it’s gonna go to whoever puts more effort. That’s the goal at Orlando Pirates this season, to win the league,” he added.
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