Orlando Pirates find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the Betway Premiership, and new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is already under the microscope.
A 2–1 defeat to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday marked the Buccaneers’ second straight loss of the season, following their opening-day setback against Sekhukhune United. Expectations had been high for a title challenge, but the start has been anything but promising.
High Investment, Low Return So Far
The club spared no expense in preparing for the season, returning to Marbella, Spain, for their pre-season camp for the third consecutive year. Reinforcements arrived in the form of Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis, and Kamogelo Sebelele players the coach trusted enough to throw straight into competitive action.
However, this confidence in the newcomers may have come at a cost. Several key figures from last season’s success, including Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, and Deano van Rooyen, have seen limited or no involvement. These players were instrumental in Pirates’ MTN8 triumph and second-place league finish, yet they’ve been largely sidelined.
Missing Big-Match Experience Ahead of Sundowns Clash
The timing of these selection decisions could prove costly. Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-final first leg on Saturday, a fixture they have historically approached with their most experienced performers. In past seasons, the likes of Monnapule Saleng and Sipho Chaine stepped up in high-pressure moments, delivering victories over Sundowns.
Ouaddou will need to restore senior players to the lineup if he hopes to maintain this winning edge and regain fan confidence.
Pressure Mounting on the New Coach
When the Moroccan-born coach arrived, optimism was high following his impressive stint with Gallants. Now, after just two games, murmurs of discontent are emerging from the Ghost faithful, who believe he is straying from the foundations laid by former coach José Riveiro.
Early-season struggles can be turned around, but Ouaddou must show strong man-management skills particularly in dealing with young talents like Relebohile Mofokeng, who appears distracted amid reported interest from Saudi club Al-Ettifaq.
Make or Break Against Sundowns
The upcoming clash with Sundowns could be a turning point. Victory would ease the early pressure and offer a platform for recovery. Another defeat, however, might intensify calls for change at the helm. For Ouaddou, the message is clear: reconnect with the core of last season’s squad, rebuild trust within the team, and get results fast or risk seeing his Pirates project unravel before it truly begins.
Related article: Orlando Pirates’ Ouaddou Left Searching for Answers After Shock Loss to Marumo Gallants
