Abdeslam Ouaddou: Former PSL Star Blasts Orlando Pirates Coach After Title Dream Hangs by a Thread

• A former Premier Soccer League star has called out Abdeslam Ouaddou after Orlando Pirates' draw against Durban City
• The French-Moroccan manager is close to winning the Betway Premiership title in his first season in charge of the Buccaneers
• The opinion from the former Kaizer Chiefs player sparked different reactions from the Sea Robbers supporters on social media

Orlando Pirates supporters were left frustrated after the Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw by Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The outcome leaves the Soweto giants second on the table with 66 points, now two points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as the title race heads into the final matchday.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Junior Khanye was quick to criticise head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, questioning his tactical approach for the crucial fixture.

Khanye slammed Ouaddou after Durban City clash

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye, who is known to be an outspoken pundit, expressed surprise at the decision to include Simphiwe Selepe in the starting lineup for such a high-pressure game in which they need to win.

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“I went into the match looking at the starting eleven, and I was shocked that Ouaddou started Simphiwe Selepe in a game of this magnitude,” Khanye said.

“He has coaching experience in the Betway Premiership and elsewhere, so that decision was really disappointing.”

Concerns over match readiness and pressure

Khanye went on to stress the impact of fielding a player lacking recent competitive minutes in a title-defining encounter, arguing that training conditions cannot replicate match intensity.

He noted the psychological strain and lack of sharpness that come with limited game time, adding;

“The boy picked up a yellow card within 20 minutes, which didn’t surprise me. When you haven’t been playing competitive football regularly, even if you train with the team, you’ll still feel nervous and lack confidence.”

Here is what fans are saying on social media concerning Khanye's opinion on Pirates' draw vs Durban City.

William Slazman Xongwe shared:

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"I feel like we should accept it, Sundowns will win the league again, hard luck Mabhakaniya, I don't see Pirates beating Orbit. They need 1 point to stay in Betway, while Pirates need 3 to win the league, sure that they will just close the poles full 90min 0-0, hence that flavour Sundowns."

Sboniso Thela said:

"Nothing was confusing, mfethu, it's just that we couldn't convert our chances that's all. I still believe Pirates will do better against Orbit College 🤞."

Samuel PS wrote:

"What is confusing Selepe replacing Makhaula? The only change I could not understand is Mbuthuma it has been shown that the coach loves Mbuthuma. All I wish now is that he gets a CRC injury so we can see more of Makgopa, because when we saw Makgopa doing well, then boom, Mbuthuma again, so maybe Mbuthuma should get a long injury and join his friend Nemthajela because they have been our downfall."

Bheki Sikhosana reacted:

"He's not supposed to change his starting lineup from the previous games; that single change affects the momentum of the team."

Thulare Mogale added:

"Not surprisingly, teams seem to sit back whenever they play the Pirates at the Orlando Arena. The coach should have sacrificed one CDM player and played with two strikers since Durban City came to play for a draw."

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Pirates winger hits back at critics after missed opportunity vs Durban City

Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News