Abdeslam Ouaddou gives his final decision regarding one of his team players.

Abdeslam Ouaddou gives his final decision regarding one of his team players.

The Orlando Stadium erupted in celebration as Orlando Pirates kicked off their 2025/26 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals. The match marked not just a winning start but the dawn of a fresh chapter under Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took charge following José Riveiro's departure to Al Ahly.

Ouaddou's debut couldn't have gone smoother, with new recruit Oswin Appollis – freshly signed from Polokwane City – delivering a man-of-the-match performance against his former club. The winger opened the scoring before Patrick Maswanganyi sealed the semifinal berth, but all eyes were on the five debutants handed their first Pirates appearances.

Among them, Malian midfield maestro Abdoulaye Mariko emerged as a second-half revelation. The Djoliba AC export, arriving as Mali's Player of the Season, showcased the technical prowess that convinced Pirates to secure his signature. His crisp passing and composure under pressure offered glimpses of why Ouaddou considers him a project worth nurturing.

"Mariko embodies raw talent," revealed the Pirates boss post-match. "But transitioning from Malian football to the PSL demands more than skill – it requires cultural adaptation." The coach's first directive to his new charge was surprisingly linguistic rather than tactical: "Master English to unlock your potential here."

Ouaddou's emphasis on integration highlights his holistic approach. While thrilled with Mariko's cameo, he tempered expectations: "Today we saw flashes, but transforming a league MVP into a Pirates legend is a process." As the Sea Robbers set sail into this new era, their blend of immediate results and long-term vision suggests stormy seas ahead for PSL rivals.