Pirates legend puts Ouaddou on notice

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Orlando Pirates legend Albert “Bashin” Mahlangu says coach Abdeslam Ouaddou must prove his treble-winning first season was his own work, not Jose Riveiro’s foundation. Photo: Gallo

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Pirates legend puts Ouaddou on notice

Aug 18, 2026 – 03:36 pm
By Sipho Mlotha

Orlando Pirates legend Albert “Bashin” Mahlangu believes the 2026/27 season will be a defining one for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who must now prove that last season’s treble-winning heroics were his own doing and not merely the product of the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro.

The Moroccan-Frenchman enjoyed a remarkable first campaign at the helm of the Soweto giants, sweeping the board with a domestic treble that included the league title. However, Mahlangu feels the real test begins now.

Speaking to KickOff, the Bucs icon spelled out the mounting pressure on Ouaddou to replicate — or even surpass — last season’s achievements, particularly with the added demands of the CAF Champions League.

“This is going to be a testing season for the team because now the coach must prove who he really is,” Mahlangu said.

“As it is, he is under pressure to defend the three trophies he won last season, including the league title. On top of that, he must perform well in the CAF Champions League. The fans are not expecting the team’s performance to drop just because Relebohile Mofokeng has left.”

Mahlangu didn’t hold back on where he feels Pirates need to strengthen, identifying three critical positions that require urgent attention before the campaign gathers momentum.

“He will need to sign a back-up goalkeeper, a central defender, and obviously a striker because, at the moment, Pirates’ strikers are not scoring at all. Midfielders have been contributing more than the strikers. Those are things the Pirates Pirates coach needs to fix,” he added.

The Pirates legend also took the opportunity to call on the club’s passionate fanbase to get behind the team, particularly under-fire striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who has come in for criticism for his finishing.

“Also, the Pirates supporters need to support these boys all the way. The supporters must give Yanela Mbuthuma all the support he needs. He is not missing goals on purpose. Encourage the boy and support the decisions the coach makes,” Mahlangu pleaded.

Pirates face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

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