“It Starts To Become Difficult”: Ouaddou On Pirates Bloated Squad

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged the club’s management to trim the squad, saying he can effectively manage a maximum of 34 registered players.

Before the start of the season, Pirates confirmed the first-team squad numbers, with 41 players registered, including the club’s new signings.

The Buccaneers are set for another demanding campaign in the 2026/27 season, competing in five competitions: the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup.

To strengthen the squad for the busy schedule, Pirates have signed several new players, promoted youngsters from the club’s development structures and parted ways with a number of senior players.

Despite those changes, the club still has 41 registered first-team players. Ouaddou believes such a large squad will be difficult to manage and has recommended reducing it to 34.

“If we play in all the competitions—the PSL, Champions League, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup and MTN8—and we go all the way, 30 outfield players are enough for me, plus four goalkeepers. That makes 34 players,” said Ouaddou.

“We can have suspensions and injuries. If you play in all these competitions, I can manage 30 outfield players. But more than that, to be honest, once you have 35 players, it starts to become difficult because you cannot really be efficient in your work.

“Another very important point is that when you have 30 players to manage, of course you need the staff, and we have the staff to manage those numbers, but you also need the facilities. When I say facilities, I mean at least two pitches.”

Pirates, who completed a domestic treble last season, began the defence of their Betway Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.