Ouaddou warns Pirates face a right-back shortage after Sundowns double swoop

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side’s lack of right-back options is a “big concern” after Deano Van Rooyen and reported target Thabang Matuludi both joined Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates have not yet replaced Van Rooyen, who left the club by mutual consent before signing for Sundowns as a free agent. The move followed a long-term injury to Khuliso Mudau, prompting Sundowns to strengthen in the position.

Van Rooyen, a former Stellenbosch player, was the second right-back to depart Orlando Pirates during the current transfer window. The club also released Thabiso Lebitso, who was involved in the deal that brought midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane to Pirates from Stellenbosch.

Pirates, known as the Buccaneers and the Ghost, had reportedly shown interest in former Polokwane City defender Matuludi. However, the Bafana Bafana player was announced by Mamelodi Sundowns last week, leaving Ouaddou with just one recognised right-back available.

Kamogelo Sebelebele is currently the only designated player in that position. Ouaddou addressed the issue after Orlando Pirates beat La Cure Waves 3-1 in the second leg of their CAF Champions League first round qualifying tie at Orlando Stadium.

“You’re right, it’s a big concern. Sebelebele, even though I love him, but I cannot push him (to play) 60 games, it’s difficult, he’s not a robot,” Ouaddou said.

“I can sometimes find some solutions, some emergency wheel. You know when your car is stuck but the emergency wheel will not work every time, especially (with) the way we want to play.”

The Moroccan-French coach said he could make tactical adjustments in selected matches, but believes Pirates need a specialist when facing important opponents.

“If you want to propose some attacking football, by using the wide channels, you can use a central defender in one or two games,” he added.

“But in the important games, we definitely need somebody (else) who is confirmed in that position.”

Ouaddou also identified Gamphani Lungu as a possible alternative, although the player is still returning from injury.

“Of course I can use (Gamphani) Lungu but actually Lungu is coming back from injury and so ja the solutions are a bit limited, we’ll see,” he said.