Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu challenges Patrick Masvangani after Rele Mofokeng's departure

Manager of Orlando Pirates, Abdeslam Ouaddou, called for a significant performance uplift from his squad subsequent to a disappointing draw against AmaZulu. Although Ouaddou does not currently feel the pressure associated with defending the Betway Premiership title, he strongly urged the majority of his players who represent Bafana Bafana internationally to rapidly readjust and concentrate entirely on the team's objectives for the current season.

Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates experienced a setback in their title defense on Wednesday evening, failing to secure their initial points of the season after settling for a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at Kings Park in Durban. This followed their opening-day victory of 2-0 against newcomers Milford at home.

Tshepang Moremi initially put the Sea Robbers ahead, buoyed by their previous run to the semi-finals of the MTN8 title defense. However, a penalty awarded to Thando Ngwenya late in the second half stoppage time resulted in the points being split that night.

The Pirates entered the match while dealing with absences due to injuries sustained after returning from the World Cup with Bafana, specifically Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, who were unavailable.

During the post-match press conference, Ouaddou emphasized that many of their international players, who participated in the national team, have not yet regained the rhythm of club football, which is impeding the team's advancement. He stated, “Every point is important,” adding, “So, I need our international players to land in our hearts, team, and our planet. The US is finished. They need to quickly be part of the team spirit – the expectations of the club and fans.”

The coach further pressed, “Football is very impatient. If we wait for December to get fit, it will be late. I really need them to come to the party.”

Among the Bafana internationals, Ouaddou commended Nkosinathi Sibisi and Sipho Chaine for promptly aligning with the team's seasonal goals, while noting that Moremi, who scored against AmaZulu, Kamogelo Sebelele, who conceded the penalty, and Oswin Appollis still needed to settle in.

Ouaddou expressed concern regarding the points lost, stating, “I am worried about the fact that we’ll catch up with the points that we dropped here.” He added that few teams would defeat AmaZulu, describing them as a strong side with capable players, and suggested that the final assessment of points gained or lost should only occur at the season's conclusion. His primary concern remains the timeline for the full recovery of his international players. He highlighted Sibisi's excellent performance that day, calling him 'top,' and noted that Sipho Chaine fulfilled his role. However, he mentioned playing with one or two players missing since the start of the season, hoping for a swift recovery due to an 'emergency.'

The slower reintegration of some Bafana internationals appears linked to the short interval between their break and returning to the team after participating in pre-season training in Marbella, Spain. Despite this, Ouaddou does not overemphasize this issue. He recognizes that the challenge of rapid transition in competitive football affects teams globally.

Ouaddou defended the preparatory period, saying, “I think the benefits of having five weeks of preparations, which include periodisation and two weeks of a pre-season camp in Spain, is good for the team. We played every three days there against good opposition.” He observed differing outcomes based on arrival dates, noting, “We had a good result with the guys who started on June 24, and a different result with the guys who came late to join us. I am not surprised.”

He concluded by acknowledging that other European clubs faced similar issues with their internationals, citing mental and physical fatigue due to the abnormal rhythm imposed on athletes. Ouaddou agreed that the players are not machines and require rest, concluding, “It’s understandable due to the abnormal rhythm imposed on the players. It was understandable considering that the schedule could even be increased. The players are not robots. They need rest as well. I am not surprised. We need to find solutions.”

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu commented on his squad building strategy, explaining how he balances maintaining players' physical condition with the club's demands for tournament victories.

The Pirates team defeated Durban City 2-1 thanks to a goal from Gamphani Lungu, who came on as a substitute, allowing them to advance to the semi-finals. Pirates are aiming to win their fifth consecutive title.

Despite significant changes in the squad during the off-season, Waddu faces the challenge of managing the team. He emphasized that some players still need time to gain match fitness and adapt to the demands of professional football, but the coach insists this should not come at the expense of results.

Waddu recalled the pressure he felt at the beginning of his first season when the team suffered a series of defeats. He stated: 'We are not in a circus; we have a professional ecosystem, and there are high expectations. If you want to recall my first two games last season, do you think I was happy having eight bodyguards around me?'

This past experience shaped his approach this season. Waddu made it clear that he intends to select players who, in his opinion, give Pirates the best chance of winning. He noted: 'Of course, I want to win; I will play with the strongest team because the fans want to win this tournament, the club wants to win it, and I want to win it too, and it won't be easy.'

Furthermore, the Pirates coach rejected the idea that players would be given opportunities simply because they needed game time. As competition for starting spots increases, he believes that players' performance in training and preparation will be the deciding factor. Waddu added: 'I will always play with the strongest team, and the people who deserve a starting spot will show it to me in training and preparation. I don't hand out flowers (good signs) to people because when we lose three matches, whose head is on the line?'

Waddu's stance is relevant as Pirates prepares for another demanding campaign on multiple fronts. The team must defend its title in the Betway Premiership while also participating in the CAF Champions League, making squad management critically important throughout the season. However, the immediate tournament remains the priority for now.

Pirates has already overcome the difficult stage against Durban City and will now focus on the semi-final, where Waddu must once again find a balance between maintaining momentum, managing the squad, and leading a team capable of defending its title.

Abdeslami Wadee, the head coach of Orlando Pirates, stated that he is using a more measured approach to the start of the new season. He acknowledged that he learned lessons from the early difficulties of last season and is now treating the club's new acquisitions with more patience as the team begins another intense campaign.

During the transfer window, the team significantly strengthened its squad by signing at least nine new players. These players are preparing for participation in domestic tournaments and the CAF Champions League. Four of these newcomers debuted in Saturday's victory over the recently promoted Milford FC, having been introduced in the second half as Pirates sought to gain maximum points on the opening day of the Betway Premiership season.

This tactical approach differs from last season, when Wadee quickly integrated new footballers into the main squad after taking over from Jose Rivera. This rapid start led to difficult moments, as Pirates suffered two consecutive defeats in the first two league matches, which immediately put pressure on the new coach.

This time, the Moroccan specialist decided to ensure greater stability by giving new players time to adapt to the club's demands. Wadee noted: 'New players, you know, even I am learning; it is never too late to learn.' He added that last season he wanted to rush the integration of new players into the starting lineup, whereas this season he started with greater stability in the squad.

Wadee believes that the gradual inclusion of new footballers will allow them to have a greater impact as the season progresses. He emphasized that the new players bring additional energy and control to the game, especially when brought on in the second half. He expressed confidence that they will feature more frequently throughout the season.

The victory over Milford provided Pirates with an ideal start in defending their title, but Wadee realizes that the upcoming challenges will increase significantly. The team is now focusing on the MTN8 tournament, where it will begin defending its title against Durban City on August 8th at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Pirates has won this tournament for the past four seasons and intends to continue dominating it while balancing its ambitions in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and other cup competitions.