Abdeslam Ouaddou Hits Back at Critics Over Choice of Lineup Against Mamelodi Sundowns
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on being criticised for his selection against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership
- The Moroccan tactician decided to give a 20-year-old a starting jersey against the Brazilians at Loftus Versfeld
- The former Marumo Gallants coach's explanation sparked different reactions from the Bucs' fans on social media
Orlando Pirates head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has expressed complete confidence in his entire squad. He insists that every player is capable of earning a place in the starting lineup after the Buccaneers held Mamelodi Sundowns to a draw in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Source: Instagram
With 35 players currently in the first-team setup, including four goalkeepers, Ouaddou acknowledged the challenge of managing such a large group in his debut season at the club.
The Moroccan tactician admitted that this depth has led to questions about his selection choices, especially regarding the decision to start 20-year-old Cemran Dansin. However, he maintained that the competition for places keeps the squad motivated and ready to perform when called upon.
Ouaddou defends his selection against Sundowns
Ouaddou emphasised his belief in every member of his squad, highlighting that player rotation has been key to his approach this season. He explained that with Pirates competing in multiple tournaments, maintaining freshness and balance is vital to sustaining performance levels.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
The Moroccan coach noted that he deliberately gave opportunities to several players in their clash against Sundowns, stressing the importance of managing workloads as the team plays high-intensity matches every three days.
He added that his role extends beyond coaching; as an educator, he aims to protect his players’ physical well-being throughout the campaign. Ouaddou insisted that trust is essential in building a winning team, saying that while matches can be won with 11 players, titles are only achieved through collective belief and contribution from the entire squad.
Source: Instagram
He praised the current mentality within the group, describing it as strong and unified, and urged his players to maintain that spirit as the season progresses.
Here is what fans are saying about Ouaddou replying to criticism towards his selection against Sundowns.
Utalagu Utalagu wrote:
"His selection of players in many games leaves a lot to be desired it makes me wonder whether he's serious or not."
Bongani Mgubela shared:
"If you fail to win the league with this squad,then I will conclude that you're a plumber. You have the ingredients to cook Sir."
Mzukisi George said:
"At times I am not agreeing with coach's first 11 selection, But I see nothing Rong with the way coach is rotating his players, and he said so from the start, that he will give all the pirates players a chance to show case on the field of play to avoid injuries & burning out of players, he is doing exactly that and is not losing. Last season pirates were on fire but made a little mistake of using same first 11, weeks in week out, as a result pirates were so predictable and easily beatable by spaza shop teams as results pirates lost the league."
Mandla Mhlophe reacted:
"But U can't rotating the team the whole season, Mbatha was supposed to start the Game."
Qonda Akhona added:
"Full trust yamasimba, rotation is supposed to be gradually not in full force.Mbatha n Mbule cannot sit n watch Camrin ,very soon the coach is going to lose the dressing room because of this nonsense."
Dansin reacts to his goal vs Sundowns
Briefly News earlier reported that Dansin shared his thoughts after scoring a wonder goal in Pirates' draw against Sundowns.
The South African midfielder appreciated a set of people after featuring in a big game in the Premier Soccer League.
Source: Briefly News
