Orlando Pirates coach supports Yanele Mbutumu amid goal drought

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu responded to criticism after the team demonstrated the desired reaction. Although Waddu achieved a response from the team, he then addressed those who questioned his coaching methods after the 'Bucaneers' returned to winning form.

The team secured a convincing victory following a frustrating draw with AmaZulu, thanks to goals from Gampani Lungu, Lebone Simi, and Daniel Msenda. This result was a consequence of Waddu's direct assessment of senior players mid-week after the draw, which sparked debates about his management style and relationship with the players.

Specifically, goalkeeper Sipho Chen and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi came under the coach's scrutiny, raising questions about whether the coach's public criticism compromises squad stability. However, Waddu insisted there were no disagreements between him and the players, asserting that outsiders cannot fully grasp the dynamics in the locker room or the methods he uses to achieve the best results from his team.

He stated: 'I said I wanted to see a reaction from my players, and I got it today; I just hope we are consistent in the next matches.' Furthermore, Waddu noted: 'It's funny how some people want to create a rift between the coach and the players. I know my players and their psychology very well, and they know their coach well. Yes, sometimes their coach is fiery, but there is love here, and like any father or older brother, when they want a reaction, and I got it.'

The coach also expressed disappointment over the attention given to his comments, emphasizing that his methods should be evaluated within the context of what is happening inside the Pirates locker room. He added: 'Now people don't want to let me do my job, everyone is commenting, and everyone has something to say about what the coach says, but they don't know what is happening in the locker room, and maybe my problem as a coach is that I am too honest.'

For the Pirates coach, the next phase is most important now. The victory provided the immediate response he wanted, but consistency will determine whether this game becomes a real turning point or just an isolated reaction to mid-week frustration.

Orlando Pirates advanced to the MTN8 semi-finals after defeating Durban City 2-1. The winning goal was scored by Gampani Lungu, who came on as a substitute in the 120th minute of the match held in Soweto.

The Orlando Pirates team must now face Sekhukhune United in the fight for their fifth consecutive MTN8 title. In the quarter-finals, they faced MTN8 debutants, Durban City, and the match went into extra time.

In another match, Sekhukhune United defeated the KwaZulu-Natal team AmaZulu 4-3, also requiring extra time to determine the winner. In the second semi-final, Mamelodi Sundowns will play against Golden Arrows, who beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at the FNB Stadium. The African champions Sundowns also overcame the resistance of Polokwane City 3-2, which also required extra time.

Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu does not accept risks and explained his player selection strategy, balancing the physical condition of the squad with the club's demands for success in MTN8. He faces the task of managing a squad that has undergone significant changes during the off-season.

Although some players still need time to gain form and adapt to the demands of professional football, the Moroccan coach insists that this will not happen at the expense of results. Waddu recalled the pressure he felt at the beginning of his first season when Pirates suffered a series of defeats.

After the victory over Durban City, he stated: 'We are not in a circus; we have a professional ecosystem here, there are many expectations. If you want to remind me of my first two games last season, do you think I was happy having eight bodyguards around me?'

This experience shaped his approach this season, and Waddu made it clear that he intends to select players who, in his opinion, give Pirates the best chance of winning. He added: 'I want to win, of course, 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.'

The Pirates coach also rejected the idea that players would be given opportunities simply because they needed game time. As competition for spots increases, he believes that performance in training and preparation should be the deciding factor for the starting lineup. He emphasized: 'I will always play with the strongest team, and the people who deserve to start will show me that in training and preparation.' He added: 'I don't hand out flowers [good signs] because when we lose three games, whose head is on the line?'

The Buccaneers will defend their Betway Premiership title while also participating in the CAF Champions League, making squad management critically important throughout the season. However, for now, the priority remains MTN8. After the tough test against Durban City, Pirates will now focus on the semi-finals, where Waddu must once again find a balance between maintaining momentum, managing the squad, and fielding a team capable of defending its title.

Former Bafana Bafana forward Lekhlokhonoalo Majoro believes that the upcoming Betway Premiership season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent times due to increased competition.

Majoro told IOL in an exclusive interview that watching Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs take the first, second, and third spots, respectively, is encouraging for football fans, as such a structure in the league table has not been seen in a long time.

He is well acquainted with the pressure of a big football pitch, as during his prime from 2011 to 2016 he played for Chiefs and Pirates, as well as for AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits, and Cape Town City, and also spent five years with the national team.

Before Pirates managed to overthrow Sundowns last season, who held eight consecutive championship titles, Majoro emphasizes that a more balanced and competitive league ultimately raises the standard of South African football as a whole, despite Masandawana remaining the benchmark thanks to their deep bench.

Majoro noted that he does not diminish the merits of other teams, mentioning that AmaZulu under coach Arthur demonstrates serious intentions. He also highlighted Sekhukhune and Polokwane as unexpected strengths, and noted that Stellenbosch finished outside the top eight for the first time, and is confident they will want to return to the top eight.

Despite public discussions often focusing on the 'Big Three', Majoro insists that the overall standard across the division has reached new heights. In his opinion, there is no longer such a thing as 'small teams', and any team willing to put in extra effort for three points will get them.

However, when asked about the title prediction, Majoro supported his former team in retaining the trophy, stating that he does not doubt that the 'Big Three' will fight until the end, and hopes to see Orlando Pirates defend their cup again this season.