Mandla Ncikazi praises Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

The Moroccan mentor joined AmaBhakaniya after parting ways with Marumo Gallants which he had helped move away from the relegation zone upon his arrival to South Africa.

Ouaddou had a shaky start to life with Bucs with back-to-back Betway Premiership defeats against Sekhukhune United and former club Gallants in the opening league matches.

However, the team responded excellently with the coach leading the club to their fourth consecutive MTN8 title as well as the final of the Carling Knockout Cup to be played next month against Gallants.

The 47-year-old was expected to arrive with his own technical team but chose to stick with those that was serving under previous head coach Jose Riveiro including Mandla Ncikazi.

"Football and sports reflect the society that we come from," said Ncikazi to FARPost.

"One thing that I picked up from the coach is that before the coach, he's a great human being. He understands that he is African, and he respects African people. There is a statement that he uses, he says he will use the expertise that he finds in the club.

"Very few coaches do that, we don't trust each other, and we are also scared to be stabbed behind [the back]. Only a confident and good human being can do that."

Orland Pirates were dealt a blow when they were eliminated by FC Eloi-Lupopo in the CAF Champions League but have improved their form in the league, winning seven of their last eight consecutive games, drawing only once.

Ouaddou's exploits helped him win the September/October PSL Coach of the Month award and he will be looking to continue the good run when they face Chippa United in a league clash next week.