Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu praises the imminent return of midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, believing that the player will bring necessary creativity to the team. Waddu draws a comparison between Dlamini's technical qualities and those of the legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane.
CAF Champions League
Dlamini was spotted in training before the second round match of the CAF Champions League preliminary round against La Cure Waves, which will take place at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Previously, he had been sidelined for over a year due to injury.
Dlamini's return comes at a critical time for Pirates, as the team participates in several tournaments this season. They are set to play a match that determines success, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Mauritius.
During a press conference before the match, Waddu stated: 'He demonstrates great effort every day to return and work for the team.' He continued, emphasizing the value of players in the midfield: 'I really appreciate the spirit he shows in training. Midfield players are always important—they bring creativity and can find passes in tight spaces that no one else sees. He is a player who makes quick decisions.'
Pirates currently lacks creative solutions after the departure of Relebokhile Mofokeng and Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi during the recent transfer window. Dlamini has received an excellent opportunity to prove himself and make an immediate impact.
Acknowledging that Dlamini's level does not match Zidane's overall level, Waddu noted that the midfielder possesses similar spatial awareness and technical skill to the World Cup winner. Waddu added: 'In this area of the field, you need players who make decisions even before they receive the ball. I don't want to compare him directly to Zinedine Zidane, but Zidane wasn't just fast—he simply knew his next move before the ball arrived. That is the intelligence we need in the center.'
