Patrick Maswanganyi boost for Orlando Pirates ahead of MTN8 final
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is delighted to welcome back a fit-again Patrick Maswanganyi to his side for their upcoming MTN8 final against Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Jerry Sikhosana: Abdeslam Ouaddou faces acid test despite Orlando Pirates' winning run
The Buccaneers endured a nightmare start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, losing their opening two matches. Since then, they've strung together three wins to climb the table ahead of the FIFA break.
While Sikhosana acknowledges the improvement, he warned that Ouaddou will ultimately be judged on whether he can deliver trophies - particularly the league title, which has eluded Pirates for over a decade.
"For me, the coach is not yet off the hook," Sikhosana was quoted by Hollywoodbets Blog.
"Yes, they've improved, but the pressure is there to win the MTN8 and, more importantly, to challenge for the league. That's the ultimate goal for Orlando Pirates."
The former striker added that Pirates still lack the consistency shown under previous coach Jose Riveiro and must avoid being over-reliant on patches of good form.
Pirates' next big test comes in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 13 September - a clash that could define Ouaddou's early tenure.
'Last season's defeat hurt us badly', says Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker ahead of MTN8 final
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker wants to use the pain of last season's MTN8 final defeat to Orlando Pirates by lifting the trophy this term.
Junior Khanye warns Orlando Pirates can't win without Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Orlando Pirates' reliance on individual brilliance could either help or hurt their Betway Premiership title charge.
Orlando Pirates staff members including head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou involved in road incident
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five staff members were involved in a 'traffic incident' on the way back from their win over Chippa United on Sunday night, the club have reported.