Abdeslam Ouaddou: 3 ways Pirates coach is setting himself up for a fall

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou saw his side lose a second straight match following their 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

Pirates headed to the Dr Molemela Stadium knowing they must win to get their campaign on track after Saturday’s surprise 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United but walked away empty-handed as the home side came from a goal down to win 2-1.

However, Pirates’ performance in Bloemfontein was not like Saturday when they totally dominated but missed their chances as they struggled to break down Gallants with very few chances created.

However, what raised eyebrows was the team selected by Ouaddou who is trying to put his stamp on the side but he now risks destroying it all.

Fixing what is not broken

Having taken over a fully-functioning side that had been well-drilled by Jose Riveiro, Ouaddou has been trying to implement his philosophy but that has seen him mess up with a winning side.

From the team that finished second in the PSL, won MTN8, reached the Nedbank Cup final and CAF Champions League semi-final, only Mohau Nkota is the key player who has left yet only Sipho Chaine, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deon Hotto and Patrick Maswanganyi were the starters from last season who made the starting XI on Tuesday.

Thalene Mbatha and the now injured PSL Midfielder of the Season Makhehlene Makhaula, who formed a strong partnership, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deano van Rooyen and Tshegofatso Mabasa were not even in the matchday squad while Relebohile Mofokeng was a substitute.

Those are changes that left a bitter taste in the mouths of Pirates fans and even though the Buccaneers have a big game against Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend, there was no justification for so many big-name absences as the new faces need time and evidently struggled with understanding each other on Tuesday.

Chopping and changing

Another thing that might mess up the Pirates coach is his need to make all his new signings happy which risks upsetting the balance of the team while alienating those they found at the club.

Ouaddou looks like he is still trying to find his best team as he had Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Tshepo Mashiloane and Sihle Nduli, four of his 10 signings starting on Tuesday, while Xinoxolo Kwayiba and Kamogelo Sebelebele came off the bench.

In the previous matches, Sipho Mbule started alongside Nduli in midfield. The other thing is Appollis is being played on the right wing in one match and on the left in the other, the same for Mofokeng, while Patrick Maswanganyi is being moved in different roles across midfield which is limiting them somewhat when they should be used to their strengths.

Lack of aggressiveness from Pirates

Pirates have also not shown the hunger and aggressiveness of last season so far even though it is too early to judge.

Abdeslam Ouaddou was a defender in his playing days but he trains his players to be passive in their defensive play. No pressing at all, just ball watching pic.twitter.com/k0UuAY79Fi

— 🅵🆁🅰🅽🅲🅾 (@ZukzFranco) August 12, 2025

Ouaddou’s team have been passive in their approach and opponents are taking advantage to score and cover their goal to protect the lead as the Soweto giants struggle to curve them open.

The Pirates coach will therefore need to ask his players to play on the front foot from the start as they have the quality to beat anyone but must show the character and personality otherwise teams will start getting confident of picking up a result against them.