Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates could strengthen before transfer window closes

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club could make further signings before the transfer window shuts, with the squad still being assessed for the demands of a season across several competitions.

The Buccaneers have made major changes during the off-season, including the departures of key players Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi. Those exits have also left Orlando Pirates with limited cover in some positions, particularly at right-back.

The club has recruited several new players as it prepares to defend the Betway Premiership title while competing on multiple fronts. However, with the new campaign already under way, Ouaddou has acknowledged that additional reinforcements remain possible.

“We just spoke about this subject, when you are ambitious and you want to play in many competitions, of course, it’s possible,” Ouaddou told journalists.

He identified right-back as an area where the club could look to add another player, although he stressed that recruitment is not his direct responsibility.

“We hope to have some new players, especially in that position [right-back], we see. But I’m not in charge of these areas,” he said.

“We have a scouting department. They know exactly what the team needs and I am sure they will look for something, I hope.”

Orlando Pirates are scheduled to compete in the Champions League, the MTN, the Nedbank Cup, the Carling Cup and the Betway Premiership, creating a demanding fixture list for the squad.

“Because if we play the Champions League, we play the MTN, we play the Nedbank Cup, the Carling Cup, the Betway Premiership, it’s a lot of games,” Ouaddou added.

Despite the possibility of further additions, the coach said he would not use the absence of new signings as an excuse. If the squad remains unchanged, he expects to work with the players already available and find alternative solutions.

“But like I told you, if it’s not the case, it’s my job to find other solutions. I’m not here to complain. I am to try to find solutions with the players that I have,” he said.