Luthuli backed to become ‘the future’ of Orlando Pirates by coach Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Sifiso Luthuli can develop into an important player for the club after bringing the striker on for his first appearance of the 2026/27 season.

The 25-year-old came on in the second half of Pirates’ 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final on Saturday. The match was played at Orlando Amstel Arena, also referred to as Orlando Stadium in the match report.

Teenage forward Mpho Padime scored the only goal before half-time to send the Buccaneers through to the semi-finals.

Luthuli replaced Yanela Mbuthuma, with Ouaddou saying he had chosen to manage the workload of his other attacking players before introducing the forward.

“About Luthuli, he has been doing well since the beginning of the season in the team of impact players. He showed us some great signs, and he was scoring,” said Ouaddou.

The coach said the timing was right to give Luthuli an opportunity after protecting Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen.

“And I wanted to protect the other strikers, Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen. It was a moment for him (Luthuli) to come and play; it was the right moment for me,” he added.

Ouaddou was encouraged by the striker’s ability to contribute in several areas, particularly his movement between the lines, aerial play and finishing.

“Yes, he showed some good signs of football; he’s somebody who’s able to play between the lines, good in the air even if we didn’t see him that much today (Saturday); he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box.

“He’s somebody who can score with his left and right foot. What I like about him is the fighting spirit. He’s able to press, and he’s a hard worker.

“I think he’s the future of Orlando Pirates, and we have to give him time and keep on bringing him in to give him experience in the team.”

Luthuli came through Orlando Pirates’ development structures before spending the second half of last season on loan at Magesi FC. He made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing four assists.

Those contributions were not enough to prevent Magesi from being relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

His return to Pirates ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign has given him a chance to establish himself at the club where he began his football journey.

Competition for attacking places, however, remains strong, with Mbuthuma, Makgopa, Radiopane and Pedersen also pushing for opportunities.

Luthuli will need to make an impact whenever he is selected if he is to turn Ouaddou’s support into a regular place in the side.