Orlando Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou lauds new forward’s performance after pre-season tour
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou (pictured) praised forward Yanela Mbuthuma’s performance in their 2-0 pre-season victory over Granada, highlighting his effective pressing and the team’s progress under Ouaddou’s new defensive strategy. Picture: Alche Greef/BackpagePix
Image: Alche Greef/BackpagePix
As Orlando Pirates wrapped up their pre-season tour, Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been glowing in his assessment of forward Yanela Mbuthuma.
Pirates concluded their run of four matches with a 2-0 win over La Liga outfit Granada over the weekend.
It was perhaps the best result of the pre-season tour as they lost 2-0 to Bolton, drew 1-1 with Pafos and ended in a goalless draw against Los Palmas before their final fixture.
Ouaddou spoke specifically about the 23-year-old Mbuthuma after the win over Granada.
Ouaddou’s Defensive Strategy and Team Progress
“[Pressing is] one of the instructions of the defensive formation when we are defending,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
“He (Mbuthuma) did a great job in terms of pressing, that is what we asked him. His job was to stop the relationship between the central defender and the goalkeeper.
“And to push the opponent to make mistakes because we wanted to recover the ball on the sides. We did very well in the first half. But afterwards, when we recovered the ball, the plan was to open wide and to find free space in order to create chances.”
With Ouaddou taking the reins ahead of the new season, there were indeed some encouraging signs.
“I think we achieved that, we had many chances, now we have to improve in the box, to be more clinical, and we can win the game.
“We can see that the team, step by step, is starting to understand a bit better exactly the expectation of the coach. So I am happy.”