Ouaddou Explains Mabasa’s Absence

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on the absence of star striker Tshegofatso Mabasa from the matchday squad in their shock loss to Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

Mabasa, the Buccaneers’ top scorer in the previous two seasons and winner of the Premiership Golden Boot in the 2023/24 season, was left out of the squad for the second consecutive time this season.

The decision to exclude Mabasa was a tactical one, according to Ouaddou. “No, like I told you in the previous press conference, Mabasa is available; it’s a choice that we made, but he is ready, and when we call him, I think he will be able to perform and give us the best of himself,” Ouaddou said.

“Of course, you can maybe ask some questions about his exclusion because the strikers that we used didn’t score, so of course, I understand your question.

“But like I said, we have a lot of players this season, and everyone will get their chance at the right moment.”

Mabasa’s absence was notable, given his impressive form in the previous seasons. With 46 goals in 132 games since joining the club in 2019, Mabasa currently trails the record-holder, Benedict Vilakazi, who is the all-time leading scorer for the Buccaneers with 58 goals in all competitions. Mabasa needs just 13 goals to surpass Vilakazi’s record.

In Mabasa’s absence, Boitumelo Radiopane started both games, including the match against Polokwane City, and was substituted by former Richards Bay striker Yanela Mbuthuma in both games.

Another striker who missed both games is Evidence Makgopa, although he was available in the matchday squad against Sekhukhune, but didn’t play.

Ouaddou emphasized the importance of squad rotation this season, given the congested fixture list.

“Yes, it’s part of football, and we know that this season we may have some very close games in the schedule. We need to see the players available that we have,” he added.

“I think I told you that we have many players, and the rotation will be exciting in many games in the short term.”

The Buccaneers will face Marumo Gallants in the league on Tuesday, followed by a semifinal match against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 on Saturday. With a strong squad and effective rotation, Pirates will look to bounce back from their opening loss and make a strong impression in the upcoming games.