Orlando Pirates-linked midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko appears to be a player with an eye for goal, based on his recent stats.
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Recent reports suggest the Sea Robbers are on the verge of officially securing the highly rated Malian midfielder, with the 23-year-old currently undergoing a medical. The Buccaneers have already confirmed the signings of Masindi Nemtajela, Sihle Nduli and Sipho Mbule.
While the aforementioned trio are known more for dictating the tempo in midfield, Mariko, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, offers a different dimension. According to Sofascore, the soon-to-be Orlando-based star scored eight goals in the Malian Première Division in 2025.
During the 2024/25 season, both Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula produced solid performances in midfield, yet only contributed five goals between them in all competitions. The team’s primary goalscoring threat from midfield was Patrick Maswanganyi, who netted seven times across all competitions.
If Mariko is able to replicate his goalscoring pedigree in the famous black and white of Pirates, he could quickly earn the adoration of the club’s passionate supporters.
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Pirates are set to embark on yet another pre-season tour in Spain, where they will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada in friendly fixtures.
