He is the future! Ouaddou makes bold prediction about Orlando Pirates striker after cup triumph
Abdeslam Ouaddou has enormous faith in a striker who has barely featured for Orlando Pirates this season.
Details: Following Orlando Pirates' 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou heaped praise on 25-year-old striker Sifiso Luthuli. The forward made his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign, coming off the bench to replace Yanela Mbuthuma in the second half. Mpho Padime scored the only goal of the match to send the Buccaneers into the semifinals.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ouaddou explained why he believes Luthuli has a particularly bright future at the club.
“About Luthuli, he has been doing well since the beginning of the season in the team of impact players. He showed us some great signs, and he was scoring,” Ouaddou said.
“And I wanted to protect the other strikers, Evidence, Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen. It was a moment for him [Luthuli] to come and play; it was the right moment for me.”
“Yes, he showed some good signs of football; he’s somebody who’s able to play between the lines, good in the air even if we didn’t see him that much today; he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box.”
“He’s somebody who can score with his left and right foot. What I like about him is the fighting spirit. He’s able to press, and he’s a hard worker. I think he’s the future of Orlando Pirates, and we have to give him time and keep on bringing him in to give him experience in the team.”
Luthuli returned to Orlando Pirates ahead of the current season after spending the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Magesi FC. Despite facing competition from several established forwards, he now hopes to secure more playing time under Ouaddou.
It is worth noting that Luthuli came through Orlando Pirates' development system. During his loan spell at Magesi, he made 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
Reminder: They continue their title defense! 19-year-old Padime's debut goal sends Orlando Pirates into the Carling Knockout semifinals
Steven Perez
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