Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains Why Orlando Pirates Don’t Need to Sign a New Striker in January
- Abdeslam Ouaddou has dropped a bombshell concerning Orlando Pirates needing a new striker during the January transfer window
- The Moroccan tactician suggested that the Soweto giants don't need to sign a new striker while explaining the reason behind his comment
- Orlando Pirates supporters also aired their own opinions on social media concerning adding another striker to the club's squad in January
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Orlando Pirates mentor Abdeslam Ouaddou has given a detailed explanation about the Sea Robbers not needing to sign a striker in the January transfer window.
Source: Instagram
The Soweto giants were one of the Premier Soccer League sides with the most signings in the summer, with the likes of Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, and Tshepang Moremi joining the club.
The transfer investment by the Buccaneers has yielded a positive return so far this season. The Sea Robbers have scooped all the available domestic titles in the Premier Soccer League this season. They started by winning the MTN8 at the start of this campaign, then followed up with the Carling Knockout Cup triumph before beating Carling All Stars to win the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Ouaddou: Why Pirates don't need a striker
Ouaddou, after the match against the Carling All Stars, claimed Pirates don't need to sign another poacher in the winter transfer window due to Sifiso Luthuli's recovery from injury.
The South African striker came on in the second half to give Pirates the lead in the Black Label Cup final, before another DDC product, Boitumelo Radiopane, doubled the lead.
The 24-year-old Luthuli has come from the reserve side and was injured for most of the campaign, but Ouaddou believes they may not need to look for a new striker because the club has found another gem.
Speaking to the media, Ouaddou said that sometimes it doesn’t take weeks or months to spot a good player, and although Luthuli was sidelined for a long time, he is definitely someone who can surprise many in the second half of the season.
Source: Instagram
He added that during an appearance on Mr Robert Marawa's show, when asked about his wishes for the remainder of the season, he initially considered a new striker but concluded that the club already has one in Luthuli, who is a good player.
Ouaddou's explanation about Pirates not needing a new goalscorer to be brought in January drew several views from fans on social media.
Bheki Sikhosana shared:
"The great Khali sometimes gets excited very easily for nothing. He changed the tone after Luthuli's strike in a friendly game, and got excited. He doesn't need an ordinary striker, but an international, deadly striker who'll score goals. He won't win the league without a regular goal scorer."
Beauty Ratlakalaka said:
"Without Mabasa, Orlando Pirates don't have a striker 🤞."
Maurice Khendla wrote:
"Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou must sell Mabasa, as he clearly does not need him."
Ntobz Ndolie implied:
"Pirates had Zakhele Lepasa, who was on form scoring goals, but when he got injured and lost form, they released him and got Mbhuthuma, who, in my opinion, is not better than Lepasa."
Collins Colie added:
"The way we were eliminated by Mukoko FC was proof enough that we can't challenge for the CAF Champions League title with those amateurs."
Pirates sign new player from PSL rivals
Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates have signed a new player ahead of the January transfer window from their PSL rivals.
The Soweto-based club have reportedly been chasing the player since the summer, before reaching an agreement with his club this December.
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Source: Briefly News
