Abdeslam Ouaddou provides Makhehleni Makhaula update | OneFootball

Interview

Ouaddou on Makhaula's progress

Photo: BackPagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an update on the recovery progress of midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula.

The 35-year-old enforcer is yet to make an appearance under the Moroccan mentor after suffering a long-term injury in the Nedbank Cup final against fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs last season.

Makhaula won the Premier Soccer League (PSL) midfielder of the season award for his exploits during the 2024/25 campaign.

Now, the Bucs mentor says the former AmaZulu anchorman is making steady progress but stressed the importance of carefully integrating him back into the team after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

“Makhaula is in the good way. He came back but you know when you had such a long injury, sometimes you come back and after you still feel pain. So, with the medical department, sometimes you don't want to take risks and lose him for a long time,” said Ouaddou.

"So, he came back, he had pain and now he is recovering again and I think he is close to coming back to training. For now he is running and I hope he will join us very soon because he is an important player for me.

Ouaddou is adamant Makhaula will be an integral part of his plans in the heart of midfield, highlighting key attributes the player can add to the squad.

“I was following him before, I love his character, I love his leadership and he is definitely somebody who can bring something to the team,” added the Pirates boss.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will swing back to action with the second leg of the CAF Champions League second round tie against Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 25 October.