Orlando Pirates' coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has been praised for not succumbing to the pressure placed on him by the club's demanding fans.
Ouaddou faced criticism for starting matches with several new signings in the line-up, in the process leaving out players who had done well the previous season. This as the side lost their first two matches to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants respectively.
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Pirates secured their first three points of the season by beating Stellenbosch FC 1-0 on Wednesday at Orlando.
"I believe in this Pirates team. What yesterday's game proved is that the coach is not the one playing," reflected former Bucs goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo.
"We need to give coaches a chance to do their job. You can't sign players and then ignore them in matches. What’s the point of starting games with players from last year and disregarding your new signings?
"Why did you sign them in the first place? What difference does it make? If he hadn’t changed the line-up, some might have accused him of winning with the previous coach’s squad.
"So, Ouaddou is right to explore new options," he blurted out.
Mayoyo feels the Moroccan-Frenchman tactician's credentials should not be doubted.
"What’s the use of adding new players if you are not going to play them? We trust the Pirates management, they will not sign players who fail to perform.
"The players have been working hard. It’s not that they aren’t taking their jobs seriously. In football, you’re competing against other teams that are also fighting for victory.
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"The coach had to make these changes, and he has shown his bravery. However, supporters will always be supporters. Even Jose Riveiro faced criticism when he lost a match. There is nothing wrong at Pirates. The new coach is simply still getting to know his players."
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
