Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the reasons why Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kamogelo Sebelebele haven’t had much game time lately.
Ouaddou was speaking ahead of their Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Richards Bay, scheduled for today.
He was asked about the lack of game time for striker Mabasa and utility player Sebelebele in the previous matches for the Sea Robbers.
Sebelebele was seemingly becoming one of the regulars for the Buccaneers in the early stages of the season. He has played 14 matches across all competitions, scoring three crucial goals in the process.
He has missed the last two matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows.
Mabasa has featured in nine matches across all competitions this season, during which he has tallied four goals and one assist.
With Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma recently preferred in the number nine position, Mabasa has been left out of the squad for the last four consecutive matches.
Ouaddou confirmed that both players are fully fit, explaining that he selects his starting lineup based solely on the type of opponents they are facing. He added that Sebelebele has also recently been given a rest.
“He [Mabasa] is part of the group, like I said, we have a lot of players and we try to select the players regarding the opponents,” said Ouaddou.
“About Sebelebele, he’s not out of the team, he’s just resting but he’s not out of the team.”