Orlando Pirates News Today: Ouaddou rated above Riveiro, Nkota’s return endorsed & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news as Andries Sebola explains why Mohau Nkota’s loan return is the right move for his career, while Abdeslam Ouaddou claimed to have already outperforming Jose Riveiro.

Nkota’s Orlando Pirates return is a good move

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola believes Mohau Nkota’s season-long loan return to the Buccaneers is exactly what the winger needs to reboot his career.

Nkota re-joined Pirates from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, a year after his high-profile move to the Middle East ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

His maiden season abroad was disrupted by a serious injury, limiting his game time and costing him a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

“I think it is a good move for him to regain his form. If you look at his record in Saudi Arabia, he played 19 games, scored twice, and registered very few assists,” Sebola told FARPost.

“He simply was not getting enough game time. Even though the financial rewards were good over there, if he wants to get back into the national team, he needs to be playing regularly on the pitch. Playing locally gives him that opportunity. Coach Pitso [Mosimane] is keen on giving youngsters a chance, so coming back is the right step for his development.”

Sebola dismissed suggestions that a return to the Betway Premiership could make Nkota complacent, pointing to the form of Gamphani Lungu in the same wide areas.

“He is not the type of player to get comfortable. The competition at Pirates right now is intense, regardless of where he features in the attack,” Sebola added. “He will have to work extremely hard just to earn a place in the starting XI, let alone regain his spot in the Bafana Bafana squad.”

Chikoya: Ouaddou has outperformed Riveiro

Former Orlando Pirates left-back Innocent Chikoya says that, statistically, Abdeslam Ouaddou has already outperformed his predecessor Jose Riveiro.

Riveiro left Pirates with a reputation as a cup specialist after winning five trophies across three seasons at the club, but never landed the Betway Premiership title.

Ouaddou ended that 14-year wait for the league crown in his first season in charge, and Chikoya believes that single achievement carries more weight than Riveiro’s overall trophy count.

“If you look at the statistics, I think Riveiro is ahead in terms of silverware won; at the moment, he has secured one more trophy than Ouaddou. However, that does not surpass winning a league title,” Chikoya told KickOff.

Chikoya pointed to Gordon Igesund’s legacy as evidence of how highly league success is regarded in the PSL.

“Gordon Igesund is regarded as one of the best coaches in the PSL because he has won the league five times. In his first season, Ouaddou has already won the league, and the league remains the most coveted trophy in football.”