Orlando Pirates News today: Was Ouaddou’s ‘son’ favoured? Transfer updates, & more…

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Orlando Pirates News today: Was Ouaddou’s ‘son’ favoured? Transfer updates, & more…
Photo - AF ZA

Latest news about Orlando Pirates, in the last 24 hours, including Masindi Nemtajela’s favouritism claims, Mohau Nkota’s situation, and more.

Ex-Pirates star opens up on injury that saw him miss World Cup

Mohau Nkota has provided an update on the knee injury that brought a premature end to his season with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

Providing an update on his recovery, the 21-year-old explained that he is taking a patient approach following the operation.

“An update on my injury, I’m still recovering. It’s been two weeks since I had this. I had my surgery two weeks ago. So, step by step, you know, you just have to take your time to recover well,” Nkota said.

Mohau Nkota and Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach.
Mohau Nkota and Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach. Image: SAFA

When asked about the nature of the injury, the winger revealed that he had suffered a meniscus tear and outlined the rehabilitation process ahead of him.

“It’s a meniscus. I tore my meniscus, and then I had to repair it. They had to stitch my bone. So, it will take maybe three to five months for me to recover.”

Was Nemtajela favoured over Mbatha?

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and midfielder Masindi Nemtajela have finally responded to public perceptions that the player receives preferential treatment from his coach.

“People were saying that Nemtajela is my son, all players are my sons, they are my brothers, I love them, but Mbatha was injured,” said Ouaddou on Bucs Camp.

Abdeslam Ouaddou holding the PSL trophy.
Abdeslam Ouaddou holding the PSL trophy. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“What must I do? Will I bring a player from the clinic and put him on the field because some fans like him? I’m sorry.”

Meanwhile, a visibly emotional Nemtajela admitted that he was left feeling confused at times, believing he was performing well in matches only to face persistent criticism from fans who continued to clamour for the injured Mbatha.

“Actually, this started when I played against Mamelodi Sundowns, you know that we have [online] analysts now. They talked that he’s not subbed out and they compared me [with Mbatha]. That was a bit light then, and then next we played Casric and I did well. After that game, people started sending me DM’s, attacking me.

Deon Hotto, Masindi Nemtajela and Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates training.
Image – Orlando Pirates

“I sat with my partner, and I went to my family. My parents told me you’re a man now and you said you want to play football. You’re playing for Pirates, not everyone will like you, you’re not money.

“If you look at it, I wasn’t playing much in the early stages of the season, and everyone – new signings played. I got one chance; I grabbed it and won hearts of my coaches and management. So, there was this thing that I was usually not being subbed out, and I feel that’s what many felt I’m a coach’s favourite.

“But when I came to Pirates, I came alone, I didn’t even know that coach Ouaddou would come. He came after me there, there’s no favouritism, we’re not that close. I won’t say he’s my father. He’s my coach, just like other players,” Nemtajela concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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