Ouaddou Praises Mariko’s Progress After Pirates Midfielder Shows PSL Improvement
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spoken positively about Abdoulaye Mariko following the young midfielder’s encouraging cameo in the Buccaneers’ goalless draw against Durban City on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Moroccan tactician believes the 22-year-old Malian is finally settling into life in South African football after a debut season that took time to find its footing.
A Difficult Start to Life at Pirates
Mariko joined Pirates with a strong reputation, having made a name for himself at Djoliba, where he was one of the standout performers in the CAF Champions League and earned the Footballer of the Season award in Mali during the 2024/25 campaign.
However, his first months in the Premier Soccer League proved challenging. He featured regularly early in the season but gradually lost his place in the squad as he adjusted to a new country, a different style of play, and the physical demands of the PSL.
His overall appearances for the club have been limited, with the midfielder making just his 11th appearance in Saturday’s fixture.
Ouaddou Admits Club Were Too Quick
Speaking to the media after the match, Ouaddou was honest about how the club handled Mariko’s introduction to the first team.
“I think at the beginning of the season, we gave a chance to Mariko against Marumo Gallants. He was just starting with Pirates. But he had several months to integrate into the pace of the PSL, to the aggressiveness, to the environment,” the coach said.
He added that the decision to use him so early may have come a little too soon, acknowledging: “I think we were a little bit quicker to put him into that game.”
It was a candid admission from the Pirates coach, reflecting the care the club takes when managing foreign players who are still finding their feet.
Clear Signs of Growth Against Durban City
Despite the result being a disappointing draw in what was a crucial title fixture for the Soweto giants, Ouaddou found reason for optimism in Mariko’s second-half contribution.
Coming on as a substitute, the midfielder caught the eye with his movement, his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, and his composure in possession.
“He did really well today, and you can see such improvement since you saw him the last time in a game. Today, he had the opportunity to play forward. He found some passes between the lines. He brings some dynamism as well. You can see,” said Ouaddou.
The coach made it clear that Mariko’s progress in training had been a key factor behind the decision to bring him on in such an important match.
“There is no right or wrong moment to bring one player. There are a lot of factors: the fitness of the player, what you can see during the training, during the training matches,” he explained.
What Comes Next for Mariko
Ouaddou closed his comments on the midfielder with a simple but clear message: “I think it’s very good news for the club. He must keep working.”
Mariko will now be looking to build on Saturday’s display when Pirates face Orbit College in their next fixture at the Mbombela Stadium. For the Buccaneers, a win in that match would deliver their first Betway Premiership title since the 2011/12 season.
For Mariko personally, it could also be the moment that opens the door to a more regular role in what remains of this campaign.
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