Cameroon striker Souaibou Marou set for Orlando Pirates exit - Agent

By Mazola Molefe
4th January 2024

The agent of Orlando Pirates striker Souaibou Marou has confirmed ongoing talks to secure an exit for the player this month.

Speaking to SABC Sport on the Cameroonian's future with the Buccaneers, Mike Makaab admitted he was baffled by Marou’s lack of game time since joining the Soweto giants a year ago.

"It’s a strange situation because he is really highly rated, but this happens in football where coaches see players in a different light,” Makaab explained.

"I don’t understand, to be honest with you – the boy hasn’t been given an opportunity."

Pirates beat several clubs on the continent to Marou’s signature shortly after he returned from Qatar, where the Indomitable Lions were eliminated at the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, securing his service on a deal running until June 2025.

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The 23-year-old managed an impressive 39 goals in two seasons for Coton Sport in his native country and was voted Player of the Year – leaving Cameroon national team mentor Rigobert Song no choice but to include him in the World Cup squad.

Marou was an unused substitute in all three group matches against Switzerland, Serbia, and Brazil.

Makaab said a move away from Pirates is imminent.

“Maybe he hasn’t shown enough to be given an opportunity, that I can’t say. We will be looking for opportunities for him now, although the January window is never easy, particularly with foreign players," added the agent.

"We might have to look at an opportunity for him locally on loan, with an option [to buy outright]. And then we would look outside our SA borders.

"He was Player of the Year in Cameroon, the top goal scorer, and made it to the Cameroon World Cup squad as the only local player. He hasn’t become a bad player overnight.

"I am not blaming anybody, but it is now our obligation to Marou – and the football club – to see if we can find the best solution for both parties."

In total, the lanky centre-forward has made only seven appearances – starting just one game – for Pirates in the 12 months he has been working under coach Jose Riveiro.

"We’d hoped he would join Pirates, progress, and hopefully get him into Europe. Sadly, this has gone awry. It’s very important now to get his career back on track," concluded Makaab.