Ouaddou’s take: What the new Pirates coach thinks of Mbule

Following Orlando Pirates’ announcement on Tuesday that they’ve signed Sipho Mbule, past comments from their new head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, about the midfielder have come to light.

The 27-year-old talented Mbule joined the Soweto giants on a free transfer after Mamelodi Sundowns decided against renewing his contract, set to expire at the end of June.

One of the reasons Sundowns opted not to give Mbule a new deal is his history of off-field discipline issues. This is a significant concern as Mbule’s ills trace back to his time at SuperSport United, continuing at Mamelodi Sundowns, and most recently surfacing during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United last season.

While former Marumo Gallants coach Ouaddou was only confirmed as Pirates’ new coach on Monday and hasn’t yet spoken publicly since, he previously expressed his admiration for Mbule.

In a recent interview on Radio 94.7, conducted when Ouaddou was still coach of Gallants, he identified Mbule alongside Sundowns star Neo Maema as players he’d be keen to sign.

“Another player, I love him, his style of play,” Ouaddou said. “And I know that maybe his behaviour is not so good, but I think it’s a question of management. These players need management, somebody to be close to them.”

He emphasised the importance of guiding such talents: “To make them understand that they are good players, but they have to manage their lifestyle – it’s Mbule. Mbule is a fantastic player, it’s the kind of player I’d like to have in my team.”

Ouaddou is expected to arrive back in South Africa later this week, with the Buccaneers set to begin their pre-season on June 27.