Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Oupa Manyisa has shed light on how head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has successfully evolved the Buccaneers into a dominant force in South African football.
The Soweto giants currently sit at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings, with 41 points after 18 matches. The Sea Robbers boast a three-point lead over their rivals and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who will lock horns with Sekhukhune United this afternoon.
Under Ouaddou’s tactical guidance, Pirates have already secured two trophies this season, clinching the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.
Pirates were on track to reclaim their Nedbank Cup title; however, their dream was short-lived as they were eliminated in the tournament’s Round of 16 by the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Casric Stars. Pirates succumbed to a 5-4 loss to the Mpumalanga-based outfit on penalties following a 0-0 draw after 120 tiresome minutes on Saturday, 21 February.
‘HE’S GETTING THE DRESSING ROOM RIGHT’: OUPA MANYISA
According to Pirates legend Manyisa, the secret behind the Buccaneers’ recent evolution into a “well-oiled machine” lies less in the playbook and more in the heart of the dressing room.
He went on to state that Ouaddou’s success with Pirates hasn’t just been on the training pitch, but also in the psychological bond he has built with his squad.
“Well, I think getting the dressing room right and making sure that he is a father figure before being a coach to the boys is one thing that has made him stand out and has earned the players’ trust,” Manyisa told FARPost.
“So, that is why you see the players playing for him, playing for the badge, and playing for themselves too.”
Ouaddou and his men are in a jubilant mood after hammering their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the sold-out Betway Premiership Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates’ next league assignment will be against Polokwane City FC on Wednesday, 4 March, away from home. The showdown is scheduled for 19:30 CAT at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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