Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has openly acknowledged that his side’s lack of precision in front of goal remains an area of concern.
The Moroccan has also made it clear that solving the problem may require a choice between patience and spending as much as R20 million on a ready-made striker.
COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU SHARES VIEWS ON ORLANDO PIRATES’ GOAL SCORING
Speaking after yet another match where the Buccaneers created big scoring opportunities against Mamelodi Sundowns without being ruthless, Ouaddou admitted that the issue is not new.
“It’s an area of concern for me because if you have followed my previous press conferences, a few months ago. We can see that it’s an area concern,” the Orlando Pirates mentor told journalists ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Motsepe Foundation Championship high-flyers Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
“We must be efficient, because it’s the reality of football. When we want to be more ambitious, we need to be clinical,” he added.
Orlando Pirates have built a reputation in recent seasons for developing young talent, and under Ouaddou that philosophy has not changed. However, relying on youthful forwards has meant accepting inconsistency in front of goal.
The coach stressed that development requires time, especially when nurturing players with potential rather than finished products.
“And of course, we keep working, and we don’t stop working with the guys. But you have to understand as well that we have a young, young team, young strikers,” he explained.
“It’s important when you develop the players, they have potential, but you need to be patient with them.
“It’s the philosophy of Orlando Pirates, and we accepted. But if you want to maybe go quicker, you can spend the 10 or 20 million rand and after maybe you will have somebody efficient from abroad.
“But the philosophy of our club is to promote young talent in the country, and I’m sure there is a lot, a lot of talent in South Africa, and it’s a policy that I respect. At the same time, you have to be very, very patient,” Ouaddou added.
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AVAILABLE STRIKER OPTIONS
In January 2026, Tshegofatso Mabasa (29) left Orlando Pirates for a loan spell at Stellenbosch FC, as his profile did not suit the coach’s high-pressing game model.
Before leaving, he recorded four goals and one assist in nine matches. His departure left the club with three primary striking options tailored to the current tactical demands.
Yanela Mbuthuma (23) has established himself as the starting striker following his move from Richards Bay, netting seven goals and two assists in 17 appearances.
Evidence Makgopa (25) has moved into the second-choice role, contributing four goals and three assists in 21 matches while managing minor injury concerns.
Boitumelo Radiopane (24), recovering from a long injury spell, remains third in the pecking order. He is yet to score in six appearances this season. His superb strike in the Carling Black Label Cup exhibition match against the Carling All Stars is worth a mention.
Also read: Released Kaizer Chiefs star scores 8 goals in 9 games
*January arrival Andre De Jong is often mistaken for a striker. He is an attacking midfielder with a direct style. The former Stellenbosch FC star is currently on one goal in three appearances.
SHOULD ORLANDO PIRATES FIND AN EXPENSIVE FOREIGN STRIKER FOR NEXT SEASON OR CONTINUE DEVELOPING?
Please share your thoughts in the comments block below.