Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘Tired’ Ouaddou opens up, transfer update, & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including Abdeslam Ouaddou opening up about the ‘tired’ sentiments he made, former Sea Robbers’ star retires, and many more.

Why was Ouaddou ‘tired’?

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified the “tired” comments made on the final day of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

After guiding the Buccaneers to the league title and completing a domestic treble, Ouaddou said he was tired and needed to rest. Amid speculation over his future at the club, many interpreted his remarks as a hint that he could leave before the start of the new campaign.

"I was honest with people, I felt tiredness because to lead such a a big club with fantastic fans is demanding. But I’m back, I recharged all my batteries, not 100% I’m 2000%."

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified the “tired” comments made on the final day of the… pic.twitter.com/R4NDSXEAi7

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) July 16, 2026

Ouaddou explained that leading a big club with demanding supporters like Ezimnyama Ngenkani requires a great deal of strength, which is why he felt exhausted.

“I really had a good time, I was honest with people, I felt tiredness because to lead such a a big club with fantastic fans is demanding,” Ouaddou told Michael Morton.

“Everybody knows that it’s demanding, so I don’t understand why people don’t understand why the coach can be tired. But I’m back, I recharged all my batteries, not 100% I’m 2000%. 

“What I want to say is that I’ve read a lot of things with people saying, ‘Coach has offers in North Africa and Europe’. But people have to understand that I’m very loyal, Mpumi, Nkosana, the father. I have a lot of respect for these people.

“They gave me an opportunity to lead such a big club. Not everyone is given this opportunity, so I must be loyal.”

Ex-Bucs winger retires

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns winger Mahlatsi Makudubela has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a successful 17-year career.

The 36-year-old took to his official Instagram account on Thursday, 16 July, to announce his retirement, expressing his gratitude for a journey that saw him play the beautiful game both locally and internationally.

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns winger Mahlatsi Makudubela has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a successful 17-year career.#FARPosthttps://t.co/vRkXXJ1xYC

— FARPost (@FARPostZA) July 16, 2026

In his farewell message, Makudubela acknowledged every single team that played a part in his development and success.

“After 17 incredible years in Professional Football, today I announce my retirement from the professional game,” Makudubela wrote.

“From SAFA Transnet School of Excellence in 2004 to playing across South Africa, Czech Republic, Georgia, Tanzania, DRC and Angola — every jersey, every training session, every stadium has shaped me.

“My deepest gratitude to every club I represented… Thank you to every coach, teammate, physio, kit man, and supporter who believed in me. The wins, the losses, the MTN8, Telkom Cup, NBC Premier League titles — I carry them all with pride.

“Football gave me everything. The discipline, brotherhood, and the love. The boots are hung up, and the coaching whistle is next. With love and gratitude,” he added.