Marumo Gallants coach reveals what he thinks of Dino Ndlovu's return to South Africa!
Hazem Mlhem
Dailysports's expert
Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his opinion on the return of striker Dino Ndlovu to African football after spending time abroad.
Marumo Gallants secured the services of the 35-year-old striker in March on a free transfer to become the former Bafana Bafana star.
This happened after the South African became a free agent after his contract with Turkish club Sakaryaspor expired in July 2024.
When Marumo Gallants secured the signing of experienced striker Dino Ndlovu in March, many questioned whether the move came too late in the season to make an impact. However, head coach Mounir Ouaddou saw it as a calculated risk—one he believes could still pay off.
Ndlovu, a well-traveled forward with a proven goalscoring record, made five appearances for the struggling Bloemfontein side, contributing an assist during his short stint. While his minutes were limited initially, Ouaddou gradually integrated him, giving him more playing time in the final matches of the campaign.
"It was a gamble, bringing him in so late, but we knew his quality," Ouaddou explained in an interview with FARPost. "Dino has had a strong career, and his professionalism is unquestionable. He still has that instinct in front of goal—it was just about getting him match-ready in those two months."
The coach admitted that Ndlovu’s fitness needed work but was encouraged by his performances in the closing stages of the season. "In the last two games, we gave him more minutes, and you could see his class," Ouaddou said. "He reads the game well, and his experience is invaluable. I hope the club keeps him for next season because he can definitely help the team, both with leadership and goals."
With Gallants fighting relegation, Ouaddou believes players like Ndlovu—who bring both technical ability and mental resilience—could be crucial in turning their fortunes around. Whether the veteran striker stays beyond this season remains to be seen, but his coach is convinced he still has plenty to offer.
