Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered his verdict on the adaptation of left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba following the player’s arrival at the club in the off-season.
The talented left-back was in the starting line-up when Pirates defeated his former side, Richards Bay FC, in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Pirates booked a spot in the final of the Carling Cup, and they will take on Marumo Gallants in the final on Saturday, 6 December at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
On the road to the final, Pirates defeated Siwelele FC, Magesi FC, and Richards in this season’s Beer Cup. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have also proven to be solid at the back in the Carling Cup, as they are yet to concede in all three matches in the competition.
In a semi-final against the Natal Rich Boys, Pirates coach Ouaddou started the match with Ndaba at left-back. The KZN-born defender joined Pirates ahead of the 2025/26 campaign from Richards Bay alongside striker Yanela Mbuthuma.
The 23-year-old Ndaba has slowly been growing in confidence at Pirates after featuring in seven matches across all competitions, providing one assist in the process.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT NKOSIKHONA NDABA
Abdeslam Ouaddou has assessed Ndaba’s progress, who’s competing with Deon Hotto for a place in the starting line-up, stating that it’s important for the youngster to remain consistent.
“You have seen the philosophy that we are using, rotating the players in order to have some freshness, competitiveness, and to protect the physical integrity,” Ouaddou said.
“We are playing many competitions, and Ndaba is part of the group of Orlando Pirates players who are able to give us something when called upon.
“I’m very happy, but like I said, consistency is very key; you cannot play two or three games well and then drop. I always say to my players that the consistency of their performances will bring them to the highest level.
“He [Ndaba] must continue like that, he had a great game against Golden Arrows. He’s a young player that we need to trust, give him confidence, at the same time, we need to be careful not to burn these young talent. You need to know when to bring them and give them the right moment to improve.”
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