Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains Limited Game Time for Abdoulaye Mariko

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed concerns over the limited minutes of new signing Abdoulaye Mariko, who has started just two matches and not yet played a full 90 minutes this season.

The Soweto giants reached the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup with a 1-0 win over Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium last weekend, courtesy of a long-range strike from Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Mariko made his sixth appearance for Pirates in that match, coming on as a second-half substitute.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Ouaddou said the Mali international is being integrated into the team gradually.

“About Mariko, since he came to South Africa, his integration has been top,” Ouaddou said. “We are all working, even me as a foreigner, to be at Orlando Pirates because we have such great people around to help us integrate ourselves. It is what he is trying to do every time, and we are trying to give him time to integrate into the team and the qualities of the PSL.”

Ouaddou highlighted the differences between training and competitive matches as part of the adaptation process. “When you come to training, the actual game is different. The type of game is different from what Mariko is coming from, and you need some time to adapt. As a coach, I don’t want to burn him. I want to bring him step by step, in order to be top in the next few months. So, it is calculated. Step by step, we are giving him time to be better and better.”

Mariko is one of 13 new signings made by Pirates this season, including Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, and Masindi Nemtatjela. At 22 years old, he faces strong competition in midfield from Sihle Nduli, Thalente Mbatha, and Makhehleni Makhaula.

Ouaddou’s approach indicates that Pirates are prioritizing a measured integration to ensure Mariko adapts to the pace and demands of the PSL, aiming for consistent top performances in the coming months.