Orlando Pirates boss Ouaddou tips Sifiso Luthuli to become a future star

Sifiso Luthuli has been backed to play a major role for Orlando Pirates after impressing in his competitive first-team debut against Sekhukhune United.

The 25-year-old striker came on as a second-half substitute as the Buccaneers secured a 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final victory over Babina Noko at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Although the match marked Luthuli’s official senior appearance for Pirates, he had already made his first-team debut in December 2025. He appeared from the bench and scored in a 2-0 win over the Carling All Stars in the Carling Cup.

That fixture was an exhibition match, meaning the forward had to wait for another chance to feature in a competitive game for the Soweto club.

Luthuli was sent on loan to Magesi FC in January this year to gain regular playing time, before returning to the Sea Robbers at the end of last season.

The striker has progressed through Pirates’ DDC side, where his performances have brought him to the attention of the club’s technical team.

‘He is the future for Pirates’

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said Luthuli’s development had earned him the opportunity against Sekhukhune, particularly as he looked to manage the workload of his other forwards.

“About Luthuli, he was doing well since the beginning of the season in the other team, he showed us some great signs. He was scoring in the other team,” Ouaddou told the media.

“And as I wanted to protect the other strikers, Makgopa, Radiopane and Pedersen, it was the right moment for him to come and to show. Today it was the right moment for me.”

Ouaddou believes Luthuli’s movement, physical attributes and finishing ability could make him an important player for Pirates, although he acknowledged that the striker was not given enough time to demonstrate all of his qualities in the match.

“He showed some good signs of football. He’s somebody who is able to play between the lines. He’s somebody who is good in the air as well. Even we didn’t see him too much today but he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box,” he said.

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

The coach said the club would continue introducing Luthuli gradually as he gains experience at senior level.

“So I think he is the future for Pirates and we have to give him time and to bring him sometimes in order to give him experience in the team.”