Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star hails Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates | OneFootball

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Former Chiefs star praises Ouaddou, Pirates

Photo: Orlando Pirates

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda has heaped praise on Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and the Buccaneers for their performances this season.

The Sea Robbers currently sit atop the Betway Premiership table, and are two points clear of second-placed defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, having played one game less.

Furthermore, Pirates have already clinched the MTN8 title, the Carling Knockout Cup - their first League Cup since the 2011/12 campaign, and also secured the Carling Cup.

Speaking to Foot Africa, Nyirenda hailed Ouaddou, who succeeded Jose Riveiro in the off-season, for the immediate impact he has had in charge of Pirates.

“Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has really fit in well and is consolidating on what the other coach left well. In a short time he has managed to grab three trophies. He is a simple but intelligent coach,” said the Zambian tactician.

While Ouaddou's men have somewhat dominated the first round in the South African topflight, they crashed out of the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round.

However, Nyirenda, who guided Baroka FC to Telkom Knockout glory at the expense of Pirates in 2018, believes Bucs' premature exit is a blessing in disguise as they seek for the elusive league title.

“They have started well and falling out of the CAF Champions League should be taken as a blessing in disguise so that they can concentrate on the local league,” he added.

"They are playing as a team and flow well. They have a very dangerous frontline in the league. All they should worry about is the replacement of [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi.

Pirates will return to action with a Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 24 January after the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.