Orlando Pirates face fresh rebuild as departures and injuries mount

Abdeslam Ouaddou faces another major rebuild at Orlando Pirates after 17 players left the club since the start of the season, while a growing injury list and the departures of key attackers threaten to disrupt the side’s bid to maintain last season’s dominance in the PSL top flight.

Fan favourite Patrick Maswanganyi became the latest prominent player to leave the Soweto club on Monday, completing a move to Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

The attacker’s departure followed those of Relebohile Mofokeng, who joined Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, and Sipho Mbule, who moved to Iraq. Defender Deano van Rooyen has also left after reaching a mutual agreement with the club.

With the domestic transfer window not closing until late next month, Ouaddou could yet see further changes to his squad. That prospect adds to the pressure on the Moroccan coach, who must try to preserve Orlando Pirates’ momentum while reshaping a team that delivered an outstanding campaign last season.

The injury situation has made that task more difficult. Sihle Nduli was injured during his first match back after a lengthy absence and has joined Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa on the sidelines.

Orlando Pirates did strengthen their squad during the transfer window, bringing in a group largely made up of young and promising players. However, Ghampani Lungu is the only new arrival with a notable top-flight track record, leaving the remainder of the recruits still adapting to the demands of senior football.

Lungu has already offered encouraging signs. The Zambia-born attacker helped Orlando Pirates reach the MTN8 semi-finals, where they hold a 1-0 advantage over Sekhukhune United after winning the first leg in Polokwane. They also have a clean sheet and an away-goal advantage from that match.

In the league, Lungu played a part in victories over Milford FC and Chippa United before Pirates were held to a draw by AmaZulu away from home. He was not involved when Orlando Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the league on Tuesday night.

His positive start will please Ouaddou, but the manager will be concerned by the form of some players who remain from last season. Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebele are among those yet to reproduce their best performances since the campaign began.

Orlando Pirates are not a “one-man” team, and player movement and injuries are unavoidable parts of football. However, Ouaddou must now show his coaching ability by blending experience with youth if the club is to defend the three trophies it won last season.

The loss of Maswanganyi and Mofokeng is particularly significant because both scored important goals for the team last term. Their departures leave Lungu carrying a considerable attacking burden, with the forward unable to create and finish chances on his own.

Yanela Mbuthuma is still waiting for a sustained run of goals despite Ouaddou’s continued faith in him and increasing criticism from supporters. New striker Sebastien Pedersen made his debut last week, coming on for a 25-minute appearance against Sekhukhune United, before making his second appearance on Tuesday night.

There is at least greater stability in defence. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has kept four clean sheets in six matches across all competitions.

Ouaddou also praised Chaine and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi for quickly moving beyond World Cup fever, unlike some internationals who struggled at the beginning of the season.

A place in the MTN8 final, followed by victory, would provide some relief for Ouaddou and give Orlando Pirates a fifth successive final appearance in the competition. But with the team still lacking a reliable attacking threat, the coach knows a substantial rebuild remains ahead.