Ouaddou explains Mbuthuma and Sibisi omissions as Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says squad management and rotation were behind his decision to leave out Nkosinathi Sibisi and Yanela Mbuthuma for Tuesday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Sekhukhune United.

The Buccaneers won 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena, securing a second victory over Babina Noko in the space of four days. Pirates had defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

The two clubs will meet again in the second leg next Saturday, and Ouaddou said Sibisi was rested with that important fixture in mind. The Orlando Pirates coach also indicated that the demands of playing three matches in quick succession had influenced his selection decisions.

Mbuthuma’s absence was not linked to a specific injury, according to Ouaddou. Instead, it formed part of a planned rotation, with the coach keen to manage the striker’s workload and provide opportunities for other forwards.

Mbuthuma had started five matches for Orlando Pirates this season without scoring, placing him under pressure to find his best form. Ouaddou nevertheless said the decision to leave him out was also intended to give him a break.

“I think when we are playing three games in a row like that, I already spoke about this case. We have international players,” said Ouaddou.

“We have to be careful about the load. It’s our job to anticipate possible injuries. So, of course, we rest Sibisi.

“Mbuthuma, I think he had a lot of game time. It was the moment as well to give him some rest and to see the other strikers as well. It’s very important.

“It was the right moment to make the rotation. If I don’t do it at that moment, I don’t know where else I would be able to do it.

“But like I said, it was an opportunity for some players to show. And we give the chances to everybody.”

Ouaddou’s explanation came after Orlando Pirates strengthened their position in the latest meeting with Sekhukhune United, following the narrow MTN8 semi-final first-leg success at the weekend.

The result means the Buccaneers have beaten Babina Noko twice in four days, although the two victories came in different competitions. Tuesday’s match was a Betway Premiership fixture, while next Saturday’s contest will decide which side progresses from their MTN8 semi-final.

For Ouaddou, the congested schedule created a need to protect key players while also assessing the members of his squad who had not received as much playing time. Sibisi was managed because of the upcoming second leg, while Mbuthuma’s omission allowed other strikers to be considered.

The coach stressed that rotation was not limited to one or two players, describing it as a way of giving everyone in the squad an opportunity to contribute. His selections against Sekhukhune United reflected that approach as Orlando Pirates balanced the immediate demands of the league with the prospect of another decisive cup encounter next weekend.