Ouaddou backs Luthuli to build a future at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Sifiso Luthuli has the potential to become an important player for the club after finally making his senior debut.

The 25-year-old striker came on as a second-half substitute during Pirates’ 1-0 win against Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

Luthuli came through the Pirates development system but spent the past few seasons away from the club, gaining experience during loan spells. He returned ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign and has since been involved with the squad’s group of impact players.

His performances in that role impressed Ouaddou, who said the forward had earned the opportunity to make his first-team bow.

“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 in the other team,” Ouaddou said after the victory over Sekhukhune United.

The coach added that he also wanted to manage the workload of Pirates’ other attacking options, Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen.

“And as I wanted to protect the other strikers, Makgopa, Radiopane and Pedersen, it was the moment for him to come and show what he can do,” he said.

“It was the right moment for me, and yes, he showed some good signs of football. He’s somebody who’s able to play between the lines.”

Ouaddou believes Luthuli’s range of qualities could give him a chance to establish himself within the senior squad. The coach highlighted his ability in the air, his finishing with either foot and his willingness to contribute without the ball.

“He’s somebody who is good in the air as well, and even if we didn’t see him that much today, he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box,” Ouaddou said.

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

The Pirates manager was careful not to place excessive pressure on the striker, but made clear that the club sees promise in him and plans to continue exposing him to first-team football.

“So, I think it’s the future for Pirates and we have to give him time and to keep on bringing him sometimes in order to give him experience in the team,” he concluded.

Luthuli spent the second half of last season on loan at Magesi FC before returning to the Buccaneers for the current campaign.

His appearance against Sekhukhune United represents his first official senior outing for Pirates and could provide the foundation for him to compete for a regular place among the club’s attacking options.