The Orlando Pirates team is forced to look for a new strong attacking trio after Patrick Masvangani and Relobokhile Mofokeng signed contracts with foreign clubs. In search of new partners up front, the team has turned to Oswin Appolis.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Oaddu believes that his rebuilding project is starting to show signs of progress as the 'Bucaneers' prepare to face 'Cruger United' in the Betway Premier League on Tuesday.
Pirates had to restructure their attack after losing Relobokhile Mofokeng and Patrick Masvangani in the transfer window. Both players played an important role in last season's campaign, which ended with winning the treble.
Mofokeng moved to Belgian club 'Royal Union Saint-Gilloise', while Masvangani transferred to the Bahraini team 'Al-Khaldiya Sports Club'. Oaddu admits that replacing players of such caliber was a difficult task, but he believes the solution lies in adapting his tactical system to the new profiles of the available players.
Oaddu noted: 'We had very good profiles with Mofokeng, with Tito (Patrick Masvangani), and it is not easy for a coach to lose such profiles, but this is life, this is the life of football.' He added: 'I wish them all the best, but now the club's life must move forward.'
The Franco-Moroccan coach focused particularly on ensuring the new attacking line made decisions faster, especially when playing in congested areas. He stated: 'We must use the profiles to find a suitable system. And we wanted to play fast with intensity, with these new profiles.'
However, in his opinion, the most important aspect is how the team can limit touches in crowded areas where there is high pressure. Oaddu saw encouraging signs of this against 'Sekhukhune' when Pirates secured a dominant 3-0 victory in the second match of the MTN8 semi-final, securing their place in the final.
He continued: 'We need to train them to receive and make decisions before receiving the ball; for me, this is a challenge, reducing touches in congested areas, and I think they did it very well today.' This victory also showed that Pirates' rebuilding process might be heading in the right direction, despite the departure of two influential forwards.
Nevertheless, Oaddu understands that there is little time for celebration, as another intense match is scheduled soon. Pirates will now focus on the game against 'Cruger United' at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday, with the match scheduled for 19:30.
The coach refused to use squad changes as an excuse for any shortcomings. He emphasized: 'My job is not to look for excuses, but to build, find solutions, and continue to achieve success and win.' Adding that he is not a magician and that time is required, he concluded: 'Some are impatient. But we see the fruits of our labor, and we also need to be patient with the youth.'
After successfully passing the MTN8 semi-final, Oaddu wants the developing Pirates team to maintain this momentum in their championship—it is another opportunity to demonstrate that the era after Mofokeng and Masvangani is beginning to take shape.