Abdeslam Ouaddou pleased with Pirates' rising star | OneFootball

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Ouaddou happy with Bucs starlet

Photo: Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is pleased with the progress of young defender Nkosikhona Ndaba.

The 23-year-old left-back signed for the Soweto giants from Richards Bay during the off-season and has seemingly found his feet in Gauteng.

Ndaba has made seven appearances across all competitions this season, providing much-needed breather for the veteran Deon Hotto, who is accustomed to featuring in every game.

With his rotation policy paying dividends, the Bucs mentor is content with Ndaba's showing whenever he is called upon.

“Look, you have seen since the beginning the philosophy that we try to implement in the club, beginning to rotate some players in order to have some freshness, some competitiveness and to protect the physicality,” said Ouaddou.

"It's very important as well because we are playing many competitions. Ndaba is part of a group of Orlando Pirates players that are able to bring us something when we call him and it's what he did and every time when I call him I'm very happy.

Though pleased with the player's progress, Ouaddou urged Ndaba to maintain consistency and stressed the importance of managing his minutes in a bid protect his physicality.

“But like I said the consistency is very important. You cannot just only play one game, two games, three games very good and after drop the level. I always say to my players, the most important thing is the consistency of your performance that brings you to the high level,” he added.

"So, he must continue like that. He did a great game against Golden Arrows and against Richards Bay as well. He's a young guy, young player that we need to trust, we need to give him confidence.

"At the same time we need to be careful not to burn these young talents. You have to know how you bring them, which moment you give them in order to create the right environment for them to improve.