Mariko seen as key addition in Orbit College’s bid to avoid relegation

Abdoulaye Mariko was part of the team that played a friendly match against an ABC Motsepe League team last Wednesday and showed some good skills and control in midfield. The former AC Djoliba player joined Pirates at the beginning of the season and was sent on loan to Chippa United. Makoye says he’s adapting well in Rustenburg.

"I think the young boy is doing very well. He was at Chippa [United], and he has been with us for the past two weeks and we are very impressed. We are in the process of registering him; we are just waiting for a work permit. I think he will adapt to the team because we are short in terms of our central midfield so I think he will do well. The system we play and our philosophy, I think he has adjusted well to it and I think he will help us," Makhoye said

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Orbit, who find themselves 15th on the log, just four points above bottom-placed Magesi FC (have a game in hand) with only nine games to go, will be away to Siwelele FC this coming weekend. Makhoye says they are racing against time to have Mariko’s work permit ready.

The 23-year-old comes with a lot of CAF inter-club experience, having featured for Djoliba in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group stages campaigns. He has no doubt that he can play a big part in helping Mswenkoboyz to avoid relegation.

Mariko’s cousin – Abdouoaye Fousseyni Mariko (22), who is more of an offensive player, is currently at Pirates, and they both come from AC Djoliba. 

Mariko spent the first half of the season at the Chilli Boyz and also featured in at least two matches. It was during this period that he managed to familiarise himself with the local game.