Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says it’s his job to keep players happy and train them, even when it’s challenging with an inflated squad.
Pirates currently have over 40 players in their first-team squad after making 14 signings, two of which will spend the season on loan at other clubs; Kabelo Kgositsile at Baroka and Abdoulaye Mariko at Chippa United.
A total of 12 others departed the squad so far with former captain Innocent Maela retiring, Paseko Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Miguel Timm, Azola Tshobeni, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo released – while Monnapule Saleng, Yanga Madiba and Thuso Moleleki were loaned to Orbit College.
Goodman Mosele’s loan to Chippa United was the final deal confirmed but it could be a challenge for the new coach to train and keep squad harmony this season.
“About the number of players, it’s always a challenge, in my previous clubs, where I was a coach, I worked with 25-28 players, why? Because in terms of management, it’s important to keep everyone involved for the targets of the club,” Ouaddou said.
“The problem is when you have maybe 40 players, in some previous clubs where I worked, when you have 40 players it becomes difficult, you can’t become efficient in your work – you can’t get directly to the point, you need to make many rotations in training.
“You need to keep everyone content – so it’s a challenge but at the moment. I’m an educator, before being a professional coach, as long as I have 30-35 players, I can’t let 10 players on the side. In terms of sporting values, in terms of being humane, I need to include them and to think a little but more and how I can include them.
“It’s not up to me, but as long as we have many players, I have to train them, it’s my job, I’m paid for that.”
Pirates open their season against Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium.
