Ouaddou Expresses Concern Over Pirates' Defense

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed concern regarding the club’s defensive options, particularly highlighting the reliance on Kamogelo Sebelebele as the only recognized right-back in the squad. This situation follows the off-season departures of Thabiso Lebitso and Siyabonga Ndlozi, along with Tshepo Mashiloane’s loan to Sekhukhune United. Additionally, the club's unexpected release of Deano van Rooyen last week, who subsequently joined Mamelodi Sundowns, compounds the issue.

With the current squad composition, Sebelebele stands as the last remaining right-back and has participated as a winger in several matches during the previous season. Thus far, he has started nine of the ten games Pirates played this season. In their opening Champions League match, a 0-0 draw against La Cure Waves, Christian Derbyshire filled in as the right-back but Ouaddou expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement, comparing the use of a center-back in that position to a spare tire that's not fit for the demands of the upcoming campaign.

Ouaddou remarked, "You're right it's a big concern, Sebelebele, I love him, but I cannot push him for 60 games, it’s difficult, he's not a robot. I can find sometimes some solutions, some emergency wheel, you know? When your car is stuck," he said in response to questions about Sebelebele's workload.

He emphasized the need for a player who is comfortable in the right-back position, particularly as the club aims to implement an attacking style of play that utilizes wide channels.

In pursuit of reinforcements, Pirates had shown interest in acquiring Thabang Matuludi, who interestingly also committed to Sundowns this week. While in-form Ghampani Lungu has excelled in a forward role since joining Pirates, Ouaddou hinted that he might be called upon to fulfill defensive duties, given the exacerbating circumstances.

"I can use Lungu but actually he's coming back from injury, so the solutions start to be limited—and then we'll see, we'll see [what happens in future]."

Since joining the club last season, Sebelebele has made 42 appearances for Pirates, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.