Abdeslam Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates Coach Explains Why He Doesn’t Rotate Goalkeepers

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has given a detailed explanation of the reason behind his decision not to rotate goalkeepers at Orlando Pirates
• The former Marumo Gallants head coach has stuck with Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sipho Chaine since he joined the Soweto giants
• The Moroccan tactician's explanation of the goalkeepers' situation at the club sparked different reactions from fans on social media

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he leaves the goalkeeping spot untouched, despite frequently shuffling the rest of his squad.

Since joining Orlando Pirates in the summer, Ouaddou has become known for his unpredictable team selections, often rotating his outfield players and even resting key figures to hand opportunities to others.

After the Soweto giants signed over 10 players in the summer, including Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis and others, it is expected of the Moroccan coach to make use of all the players effectively.

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However, he explained that this approach does not apply to the man between the posts, noting that the goalkeeper’s role is fundamentally different from that of outfield players and requires far greater stability.

Why Ouaddou doesn’t rotate goalkeepers

Ouaddou confirmed that Sipho Chaine’s strong performances, including the many clean sheets he has kept, make it difficult to replace him, although the coaching staff continues to prepare the other goalkeepers to be ready when their opportunity arrives.

He stressed that daily work with the goalkeeping department is crucial, noting that goalkeepers operate with a unique mentality and are “in their own world,” which sets them apart from outfield players.

Ouaddou explained that constant communication, trust, and confidence are vital in managing them, and he is satisfied with the depth he has at his disposal. He believes Sipho is performing well, and because the team has shown stability and strength through clean sheets, making changes is not easy.

However, he expressed delight with the entire group, praising Melusi Buthelezi, Siyabonga Dladla, and Ethan Visagie for their hard work and focus on the process.

Here is what social media users are saying concerning Ouaddou's statement of not rotating players.

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Boikanyo Mogase said:

"The keeper has the advantage of being aware of the weakest link and has the opportunity to inform the person or the Captain."

Loyiso Ka Siwangaza Sijaji reacted:

"Who will change a goalkeeper of the season 🤔 That question was dumb in the first place."

Bongani Mgubela wrote:

"A goalkeeping department is not a department to chop and change; you need consistency. Every team has its number 1."

KatlegoBaker shared:

"Doing well as a hypeman for sure."

ThobiesNET added:

"Almost all coaches don't fare well rotating players; the main purpose of rotation is to maintain high-level performance of the team. Changing a player bcos of poor performance isn't rotation. Sipho need to be rotated to ensure he plays at peak levels."

Ouaddou explains Mbatha's, Makgopa's absence

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa didn't make his matchday squad for the game against Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.

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The Moroccan coach started the match without a recognised striker, and the tactics paid off as the Bucs pulled a comeback, but lost the round on penalty shootouts.

Source: Briefly News