Orlando Pirates Coach Shares Thoughts on Mariko’s Promising Debut

Rethabile Nyelele4 August , 2025

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed optimism about Abdoulaye Mariko’s future at the club, following the Malian striker’s debut in their 2-0 win over Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium.

Mariko was among six new players introduced during the match, alongside Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi, and Yanela Mbuthuma. The match marked a confident start for the Buccaneers in the new campaign, with the coach using the opportunity to rotate and test his new additions.

A Glimpse of Potential

Mariko entered the fray just after the 60-minute mark, replacing Mbule, and provided glimpses of his talent that once earned him the title of Mali’s best player and top scorer in the Malian Première Division. Ouaddou acknowledged the player’s potential, but it was clear that there is still a long road ahead.

“Mariko is a very interesting young player,” said the coach in his post-match press conference. “He was the top scorer and best player in Mali, but now he’s in a new environment and a big club. He has quality, no doubt, but he needs to adjust and improve further.”

Integration Is Key

Ouaddou emphasised the challenges of adapting to a new culture and football environment, especially for players arriving from abroad. He revealed that one of his first conversations with Mariko centred on the importance of learning English.

“It’s one of the first things I told him—to learn English. It’s essential for him to communicate and be part of the team. The expectation is high, not just locally but also across the continent. He understands this, and he has the right attitude and personality to succeed,” the coach explained.

Earned Opportunities

While several new faces were given their chance against Polokwane City, others such as Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Nkosikhona Ndaba, and Tshepo Mashiloane did not feature. Ouaddou was clear about his approach to squad selection, insisting that game time must be earned.

“We must reward those who show us in training that they are ready. I don’t hand out opportunities just to make players happy. Every player who featured today proved themselves during pre-season.”

A Promising Start

The Pirates’ coach also had high praise for Oswin Appollis, who played a crucial role in the MTN8 victory. With a strong start and a deeper squad, Ouaddou appears intent on building a competitive team capable of challenging on all fronts.

As for Mariko, his debut was just the beginning. With proper integration, consistent performance, and adaptation to the demands of South African football, he could soon become one of the club’s standout figures, something the coach is certainly “looking forward” to seeing.