Ouaddou Sheds Light On Excluding Regular Key Players

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on excluding players who were regular starters under Jose Riveiro from his starting XI and matchday squad, amid ongoing criticism of his decision-making at the club.

The Moroccan tactician has had a rough start to his tenure as the Buccaneers mentor, losing two Betway Premiership matches on the trot. As a result, the Soweto giants are currently in 14th place, much to the frustration of the Bucs faithful.

While results have not been forthcoming, Ouaddou appears to have sidelined key figures, including striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano Van Rooyen, among others. He has opted to field a large number of new arrivals in his starting XI, a decision he has clarified.

“We have a big squad, we have very good players, everybody will be important this season. Everybody will be very important, it’s not a bad reason why they are not playing, they are ready, they are performing, and the time will come when we will use them, and they will be able to perform for the club,” said the former Marumo Gallants boss.

With pressure piling on him ahead of the much-anticipated MTN8 semi-final first leg showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns at sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday, the 46-year-old gaffer provided a brief update on the players who won’t be available for selection on Saturday.

“Most of the players are available; we only have [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, we have [Makhehleni] Makhaula, who is still coming back from his injury. We still have [Olisa] Ndah, and most of the players are available,” added Ouaddou.

Pirates head into the last four encounter as the defending champions, having won the trophy for a record three times in a row under Riveiro. It remains to be seen whether Ouaddou’s charges can get back to winning ways against a formidable Sundowns team.