Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou changes approach to new signings

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he has learned from last season’s early mistakes and will not rush new signings into his starting XI.

Ouaddou, who took charge of Pirates after Jose Riveiro, immediately selected several newcomers for the opening league match of his first season at the club. Tshepo Mashiloane, Sipho Mbule and Sihle Nduli were among those handed starting roles as Pirates began the campaign with a 1-0 home defeat by Sekhukhune.

The coach maintained the same approach for the second league fixture, but Pirates again lost 1-0, this time away to Marumo Gallants.

Ouaddou’s decision to rely heavily on new players at the beginning of the campaign made him unpopular with sections of the Pirates support, with some fans calling for his dismissal. However, the team went on to win three trophies, including their first league title in 14 years.

With Pirates preparing for the 2026/27 season, the club has added more than eight players to its squad. Neo Rapoo, Sebastian Pedersen, Gamphani Lungu and Mthetheleli Mthiyane are among the most prominent arrivals.

Ouaddou has now indicated that he intends to introduce the new recruits more carefully and avoid repeating the approach that formed part of the difficult start to his first campaign.

Pirates began their new season at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday against newcomers Milford. There were no new signings in the starting line-up, with Ouaddou waiting until the second half to bring on Rapo, Siphiwe Masilela and Kabelo Kgosietsile.

“You know about the new players … even I take lessons. It’s never [too] late to learn. Last season we can say that I rushed to put the new players into the starting XI, and this season I have decided to have more stability in the starting XI,” Ouaddou said.

He explained that the second-half introductions were intended to give the newcomers an opportunity to influence the game without immediately placing the responsibility of starting on them.

“I tried to bring in the new players in the second half againstKruger, and they brought energy and control in the game. It was good to see that these players can help us. I am sure we will see more of them as the season progresses.”

The comments reflect a change in strategy from last season, when Ouaddou selected new arrivals from the outset despite the team’s two opening defeats. That campaign eventually ended with Pirates collecting three trophies, but the early results placed the coach under significant pressure.

The club’s next test will come in the MTN8 quarter-final, when Pirates face Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.