Abdeslam Ouaddou Addresses Tshegofatso Mabasa's Snub in Pirates Loss to Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given a detailed explanation on why Tshegofatso Mabasa was absent in the Buccaneers' 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United in their 2025-26 Betway Premiership opener.

The Sea Robbers succumbed to an early second-half goal from Siphesihle Mkhize as Eric Tinkler's men earned a deserving three points at the Orlando Stadium this weekend. It was their second consecutive league win at the Bucs' home ground this year.

Mabasa was Pirates' top scorer last campaign in all competitions with 13 goals and won the Golden Boot in the 2023/24 Betway Premiership season with 16 goals.

The South African striker's absence from Pirates' MTN8 win over Polokwane City didn't raise so many questions as Boitumelo Radiopane and Yanela Mbuthuma impressed in his absence, but the defeat to Sekhukhune drew some eyebrows from the club fans.

Ouaddou explains Mabasa's absence against Sekhukhune

Ouaddou, in an interview after the match, explained why the former Moroka Swallows star was not selected against Sekhukhune.

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"Mabasa is available; it was a tactical decision not to use him. But he's ready, and when we call on him, I believe he’ll perform and give his best," Ouaddou clarified after the game.

"People might question the selection, especially since our strikers didn’t score. But we have a deep squad this season, and everyone will get their opportunity at the right time."

The Moroccan tactician will lead the Sea Robbers in their next match against his former club, Marumo Gallants, in the Betway Premiership.

Gallants started the league season with a resounding 2-1 win over Richard Bays on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Ahead of Marumo Gallants' tie, Ouaddou opened up on what he told his players as they face his former team.

"I told the boys after the game that, yes, there’s a lot of disappointment, but there’s also a chance to bounce back quickly and win the next match. The league is still long. It was a bad start, but now we need to rest, regroup, and come back stronger."

Source: Briefly News