Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa shares his candid experiences of working under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The 28-year-old experienced struggles during the early stages of Ouaddou’s tenure, being sidelined for the first four opening matches of the 2025/26 season.
He eventually made his first appearance during Pirates’ 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on 20 August in a Betway Premiership match at Orlando Stadium. Mabasa made his first start against Orbit College in a league match at the same venue.
Ouaddou’s tenure at the helm of the Buccaneers has yielded a mixed bag of results, having guided the club to the final of the MTN8, where he is set for a fierce battle against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday at Mbombela Stadium.
However, he experienced a slow start in the league, losing the first two matches, but eventually managed to turn things around, winning three successive matches and climbing to the fifth position on the log.
Mabasa has been impressive since returning from a loan spell with Moroka Swallows in the 2023/24 season, having netted 48 goals and provided seven assists in 170 games across all competitions.
He is the club’s second-highest goalscorer behind legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, who currently holds the record with 52 goals.
Addressing the media ahead of the showdown with Stellies, Mabasa discussed how the Moroccan mentor works on improving the players.
“I think the coach is very hard on us as players,” Mabasa said.
“Only because he wants us to improve, always fighting over the first touches, regardless of how difficult the pitches in this country may make it seem for us as players.
“He always wants the best of his players and encourages us to do our best as well.
“So, that is one element that I like about him and what makes him unique as well.
“It’s the ability to give his players confidence and he demands a lot from his players,” he concluded.