Abdeslam Ouaddou: “You Can’t Play the Same Player Every Three Days”
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed that he will continue to rotate his starting XI as the team navigates a demanding fixture schedule. “You can’t play the same player every three days,” Ouaddou stressed, highlighting the importance of managing player workload.
Pirates Edge Orbit College for Second Win
Pirates earned their second league win of the season on Tuesday, edging past spirited newcomers Orbit College 1-0 at Orlando Stadium, thanks to Lebone Seema’s decisive goal. The match marked the club’s seventh outing this month, underlining the intensity of their schedule.
“We have a large squad and are competing in multiple competitions,” Ouaddou explained when asked about potential changes to accommodate players returning from injury, such as Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
“Everyone in the team is important, and everyone will have opportunities to demonstrate their abilities. In modern football, as a coach, you need to manage players. You can’t expect a player to perform every three days without considering their health. Rotating the squad is essential.”
Managing Key Players: Hotto Substituted to Prevent Injury
The Pirates boss also elaborated on his halftime substitution of 34-year-old Deon Hotto against Orbit.
“Hotto is a key player for the club, both on and off the pitch,” Ouaddou said. “Before this match, he had played the full 90 minutes in every game. Sometimes, you have to anticipate injuries, especially for senior players. Managing him carefully ensures we can continue to rely on him.”
Betway Premiership Fixtures
With the schedule remaining hectic, Ouaddou’s focus on squad rotation is likely to continue. Pirates are next in action on Sunday against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Stadium.
- Tomorrow: Siwelele vs Bay, Dr Molemela (7:30pm)
- Saturday:
- Magesi vs AmaZulu, Seshego (3pm)
- Stellenbosch vs Sundowns, Athlone (3pm)
- Arrows vs Chiefs, Moses Mabhida (5:30pm)
- Sekhukhune vs Durban, Peter Mokaba (5:30pm)
- Orbit vs Galaxy, Dobsonville (8pm)
- Sunday:
- Chippa vs Pirates, Nelson Mandela (3pm)
- Marumo vs Polokwane, Dr Molemela (3pm)
Related article: Sebelebele Fires Orlando Pirates to Much-Needed Premiership Win
