Ouaddou outlines collective plan as Orlando Pirates adapt to life after Mofokeng exit

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club will rely on a collective approach and tactical flexibility to compensate for the loss of star forward Relebohile Mofokeng, who has joined Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after a standout season in South Africa.

Mofokeng, 21, was central to Pirates’ success last term, driving them to three trophies, including a first league title in 14 years, and earning the PSL Footballer of the Season award at the league’s virtual end-of-season ceremony on Monday.

Across all competitions last season, Mofokeng scored 11 goals and provided nine assists, leading to his move to Belgium and leaving the Buccaneers with a significant creative void to fill.

Collective over individual after Spanish camp

Speaking to reporters at Rand Stadium on Tuesday, Ouaddou stressed that Pirates will not look for a like-for-like replacement, but rather for a different profile who fits into a collective framework refined during their pre-season camp in Spain.

“Rele was an important player for the club. If you can just see data, his involvement in chance creation was huge, but I believe it’s important to find a profile that can take the baton,” he said.

“As you know, we are not all the time speaking about individualism; for us it’s important to speak about a collective.

“So, it’s what we tried to work on in Spain. We worked on many combinations, a lot of different profiles in the middle, trying to see. I think we can have a good answer this weekend.”

Pirates begin their title defence at Orlando Amstel Arena this weekend when they host top-flight newcomers Milford in their league opener, a match Ouaddou believes will give an early indication of how well the new approach is bedding in.

Promoted Milford ‘full of passion’

Ouaddou is wary of the threat posed by Milford, who are preparing for their first campaign in the top division.

“A recently promoted team always has this passion, this motivation to be in the big league. I guess they have a very good team spirit if they managed to reach this level,” he said, suggesting Pirates will need to match that intensity from the outset.

Pedersen signing aimed at boosting finishing

Pirates have already moved to strengthen their attacking options with the arrival of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen from Sogndal, the 27-year-old joining from the second tier in his homeland.

Ouaddou underlined that the signing was the result of a targeted recruitment process focused on improving Pirates’ efficiency in front of goal.

“The scouting department of the club is looking for a profile that can help us increase the average rate of our chance-creation,” he explained.

“As you saw last season, we needed that finisher, that profile that can finish the action, and I think the scouting department have seen him.

“I think he’s someone who can bring freshness and quality to the team.”

Opening weekend fixtures

Pirates’ clash with Milford is one of several fixtures on the opening weekend of the league campaign.

On Saturday, Pirates face Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena (3:30pm), while Stellenbosch meet AmaZulu at Danie Craven (3:30pm), Arrows host Chippa at King Zwelithini (3:30pm), Sundowns play Gallants at Loftus Versfeld (6pm), Sekhukhune take on Durban at Peter Mokaba (6pm), and Kruger meet Chiefs at Mbombela (8:15pm).

Sunday’s programme sees Bay face Polokwane at Richards Bay (3:30pm), before Siwelele host Galaxy at Dr Molemela (6pm).