Marumo Gallants' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou outlines target

Abdeslam Ouaddou drills his players:

Photo Credit: Marumo Gallants FC.

Marumo Gallants FC coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has outlined his target this Betway Premiership season with the relegation-threatened South African elite side.

Having inherited Gallants third from the bottom after replacing Dan Malesela, Ouaddou told the club’s media his target is ensuring the team survives the drop.

“I want to bring all my experience and knowledge to help the club to stay in the PSL. The first target is to save the club [from relegation],” he said.

The Moroccan described coaching in South Africa’s elite league as a big challenge but one he is willing to take in his stride.

“I am happy to come here to South Africa. It is a big challenge. It is not easy, but I have seen a lot of quality in that team. They have big qualities but they must believe in themselves,” he added.

Ouaddou is an ex-professional football player who evolved into coaching in France, Morocco, Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The coach has since declared that Gallants are ready for the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Durban City FC at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

The Free State-based club is smarting from a 1-0 league loss to Stellenbosch FC in a midweek match days after the Moroccan coach started his reign with a 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in a league game.