Abdeslam Ouaddou Defends Struggling Bafana Bafana Star As Pressure Mounts at Pirates

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has backed a struggling Bafana Bafana star amid pressure from fans for him to deliver this season
• The former Moroccan international has decided to stick with the South African international despite failing to find the back of the net
• The ex-Marumo Gallants coach's comments about the South African striker sparked different thoughts from Pirates supporters on social media

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come out to defend a South African international amid serious criticism over his lack of goals this season.

The Moroccan tactician has been under fire since he started the 2025-26 Betway Premiership season with back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.

The former Marumo Gallants coach's only win for the Sea Robbers came in their quarter-final clash against Polokwane City in the MTN8.

Ouaddou backs Radiopane despite lack of goals

In a recent interview, Ouaddou defender Bafana Bafana striker Boitumelo Radiopane, despite failing to find the back of the net in their first four matches this season.

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The Moroccan manager has stuck with the Pirates academy graduates ahead of Tshegofatso Mabasa, who he expplained the reason for his absence against Sekhukhune United, and Evidence Makgopa.

“Players like him make a coach’s job easy,” said Ouaddou. “He has a fantastic mentality — well-educated both on and off the pitch, respectful, and a hard worker. I’m lucky to have players like that to coach.

“He’s a true professional. Whenever he’s called up, there are no complaints — even if he starts on the bench. When I gave him 10 minutes against Sundowns, I told him, ‘Son, go get your goal.’ He gave it everything and came close. That’s the attitude every coach wants."

The former Fulham United midfielder went on to appreciate being able to work with the quality of the players at Orlando Pirates and rated the squad's mentality as the best he's ever seen.

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“I’m genuinely fortunate with this group at Pirates. The mentality in the dressing room is exceptional — one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Reactions as Ouaddou back Radiopane

thomas Hobyane said:

"It is laughable to see ppl hurting on the young man who had a long lay off due to injuries but they are content with the older ones who got chance after chance and did nothing i don't understand the logic 😔😭."

sthesabs commented:

"Radioman just needs 1 and only 1 goal then we will see what he's made of."

selbyMo wrote:

"How long will he be emerging or upcoming? A number of youngsters at Pirates have hit the ground running, including Selepe. This has been in the PSL for 4 years and he’s still coming…"

Kimpin45 shared:

"His biggest problem it's his decisions inside the box... He should learn the fast approach. Cause the ball will never come the way you want it. And Also if you trap they gonna steal it."

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nhlanhla_khanya reacted:

"I like how he uses his body to protect the ball🔥🔥🔥 otherwise slowly but surely this boy will give us something."

Mofokeng leaves Pirates for a new club

Briefly News earlier reported that Tefo Mofokeng has left Orlando Pirates to join a new club for this season.

The South African youngster also spent last season on loan with the same club he joined this summer.

Source: Briefly News