Orlando Pirates FC manager Abdeslam Ouaddou has been named the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for August 2026. The Premier Soccer League announced the first monthly awards of the 2026/27 season on Monday, 07 September.
Ouaddou guided the reigning champions to a strong start, securing three wins and a draw from their opening four fixtures. This accolade sees him continue from where he left off last season after winning the last Betway Premiership Coach of the Month award in May last season. His Pirates side currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League, having taken 13 points from five games with a record of four wins and one draw.
Who won the other monthly awards?
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya of AmaZulu FC claimed the Player of the Month honour. The 23-year-old Zimbabwean international scored five goals in four matches, propelling him to the top of the league's goalscoring charts. His form was instrumental in helping AmaZulu finish fourth on the early table. Ngwenya edged out competition from Victor Letsoalo of TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates' own Lebone Seema for the award.
The Goal of the Month went to Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon. He secured the prize with a clinical volley scored against AmaZulu. The Premier Soccer League statement confirmed the three winners, saying: "Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Brayan Leon have been named the first winners of the Betway Premiership Monthly Awards for the 2026/27 season."
How are Orlando Pirates performing this season?
Under Ouaddou's leadership, the Durban-based champions have been formidable. They boast the league's best defensive record, having conceded just one goal while scoring twelve. Their recent form reads WWWDW, and they trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by just three points in a tight title race. Fans can track the team's progress on the official standings page.
What does this mean for the title defence?
Winning individual awards is a positive sign, but the focus remains on the collective. The strong start, built on a solid defence and an unbeaten run, provides a solid platform. With 12 goals scored already, the attack is firing, and the team's depth will be tested as the season progresses. The full squad list shows the options available to Ouaddou as he manages fixtures.
The early season form suggests Orlando Pirates are serious about defending their crown. The next challenge is to close the gap on the leaders and maintain this momentum through the coming months. Their next match is a crucial opportunity to gain ground in the standings.
