Legkwati supports partnership in defending Orlando Pirates for Bafana national team

Former captain of Orlando Pirates, Leki Legkwati, stated that the recent threat of Abdeslam Wade leaving the club is causing concern, especially after the coach raised questions about his future at the end of last season.

Wade once again questioned his future at Pirates after the team defeated La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League on Saturday. The Moroccan coach expressed dissatisfaction with the decrease in the team's intensity after taking control of the match and warned that he would pack his bags if the players continued to boast.

This is not the first time Wade has publicly hinted at the possibility of leaving. After leading Pirates to the Betway Premier League title last season, the coach admitted to fatigue and the need to consider his future. He also mentioned that he offered his resignation after losing the first two league matches, but the club persuaded him to stay.

In an exclusive interview with IOL Sport, Legkwati, who captained Pirates during one of the club's most successful periods, believes that the recent statements naturally worry the fans. He noted that as a fan of the club, it is unpleasant for him to see such things, calling it worrying, but emphasized that all people are subject to emotions.

He added that he himself once said things as a captain and later regretted it, and that this is part of learning leadership, expressing hope that Wade will learn to better control his public statements in the media and in the locker room. Despite his concerns, Legkwati assured that the former Moroccan international player continues to have the support of Pirates fans, and they are confident that he will help the team win again.

Wade's frustration stems from the belief that some players show a lack of seriousness, especially when trying to boast instead of finishing the game. However, Legkwati believes that the coach should not try to eliminate a trait that has long been associated with Pirates. His advice concerned accepting this element as part of the team, but also considering the time and score when players decide to do so, as this previously helped change the course of the game or relieve pressure.

Thus, for Legkwati, the problem is not so much about eradicating artistry as it is about teaching players when to apply it. His comments also serve as a timely reminder that Wade's latest threat came against the backdrop of previous uncertainty regarding his future. After the initial suggestion of considering the next step following the title triumph, Wade returned to the new campaign, stating that he had 'recharged all batteries'. Now his future is once again a topic of discussion—this time after a victory that secured Pirates' advancement in the CAF Champions League. Nevertheless, Legkwati remains confident in the coach's ability to lead the Buccaneers forward.

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.'

Orlando Pirates have executed a series of transfer operations: they sent Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko to Marumo Gallants on seasonal loan agreements. Simultaneously, Bhekzy Mabusa is permanently returning to the Buccaneers.

The Pirates officially confirmed these changes on Wednesday. Msendami and Mariko will join Gallants for the season, where they aim to gain regular first-team involvement and continue their development.

Meanwhile, Mabusa is moving in the opposite direction after Pirates reached an agreement for his permanent transfer to Gallants. This midfielder was previously part of the Pirates squad before leaving the club, where he achieved notable progress and made an impression during his time at Gallants.

His performances convinced the Pirates that he is ready to return and take the next step in his career. In an official statement from the Pirates, it was said: 'During his absence from the Club, Mabusa has made encouraging progress and impressed. His performances at Gallants have convinced the Club that he is ready to return and take the next step in his career.'

Mabusa's return provides the Buccaneers with an additional player in the squad, as well as bringing back a footballer who is already familiar with the club's atmosphere. For Gallants, the arrival of Msendami and Mariko comes against the backdrop of the club's desire to strengthen its squad after a difficult start to the Betway Premiership campaign.

The Limpopo-based team has yet to secure a victory after five league matches, suffering three defeats and two draws. Currently, Gallants is in 15th place in the Betway Premiership table, and they hope that the arrival of two players from Pirates will help them climb out of the bottom of the league table. The latest transfer activity involved a player exchange: Msendami and Mariko join Gallants on a temporary basis, while Mabusa returns to Pirates on a permanent basis.