Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has once again defended his decision to not consider some players who were instrumental for the side last season, so far in his tenure.
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, midfielder Thalente Mbatha and right-back Deano Van Rooyen have been notable absentees in all of Pirates’ three matches this season so far.
They have also been unable to make the match-day squads in the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City and the league defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
Fans and sections of pundits have criticised the coach for not fielding the trio, especially as they struggled for results and replacing them with young inexperienced new signings, but Ouaddou insisted their time will come.
“I already answered the question, we have a big squad,” said Ouaddou when asked why Mbatha, Van Rooyen or Mabasa haven’t played yet.
“We have very good players. Everybody will be important this season. Everybody will be very important.
“There is not a bad reason that I can answer to you. They are ready, they are performing and the time will come that we will use them and they will be able to perform for the club.”
Mabasa has scored 46 goals in 167 games across all competitions for the club, leaving him just six goals off legendary midfielder Benedict Vilakazi’s 52 but he hasn’t featured in 2025/26 yet.
“Mabasa I know from before I come here, he’s a talented player,” Ouaddou reiterated.
“But like I told you before, the time will come that he will give his best our club.
“We know that he’s chasing records, the time will come for him.”
