Ouaddou explains bold Mariko cameo in Pirates title clash

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the reasoning behind Abdoulaye Mariko's late-season inclusion in a decisive title clash, a match the Buccaneers needed to win to be crowned champions.

The Malian midfielder came on in the second half for another surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, Simphiwe Selepe, during Pirates' disappointing goalless draw against Durban City on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

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Mariko has featured in just 11 matches across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt, since joining the Sea Robbers, with game time limited under the Moroccan tactician.

Considering the importance of Saturday's encounter and the fact that the 22-year-old has barely featured throughout the campaign, his introduction raised a few eyebrows.

However, Ouaddou hinted that the midfielder's recent development behind the scenes, played a major role in the decision to hand him an opportunity in such a crucial fixture.

"There is no right or wrong moment to bring one player. There is a lot of factors, the fitness of the player, what you can see during the training, during the training matches," Ouaddou told the journalists.

"I think at the beginning of the season we gave a chance to Mariko against Marumo Gallants, it was just his beginning with Pirates," said the Bucs coach.

"But he had several months to integrate to the pace of the PSL, to the aggressiveness, to the environment, very important. I think we were a little bit quicker to put him in that game. But he did really well today."

Ouaddou said the midfielder's improvement from the last time he played, was evident.

"Today, he had the opportunity to play forward, he finds some passes between the lines, he brings some dynamism as well."

"So, I think it's very good news for the club. He must keep working."

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Mariko will be hoping for another opportunity to impress when Pirates face Orbit College in their do-or-die clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

A victory for the Soweto giants would see them crowned 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.