Orlando Pirates News Today: Why Ouaddou is happy with FIFA break, praise for ‘clever’ duo & transfers

Latest Orlando Pirates news, including Abdeslam Ouaddou’s relief at having the international break and his praise for two Bucs’ players.

Why FIFA break is good for Pirates players

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is relieved that the FIFA break has finally come as he believes it is just what his players need.

Kabelo Kgotsitsile celebrates his goal with Orlando Pirates teammates. Image: Orlando Pirates

Pirates have been busy since the season started, featuring in league, Champions League and MTN8 with many games in midweek and weekends and Ouaddou feels the break gives his players a well-deserved rest.

“We have played every three days since now it is two months and I always say you need at least a moment of regeneration break. It is very important because you cannot push, push, the players until you break them,” he said.

Abdeslam Ouaddou says the international break comes at the right time for Orlando Pirates. ☠️ 📈 pic.twitter.com/6tMhuNq1PD
— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) September 20, 2026

“We ask a lot from them physically, mentally because they have a million rules to follow, the gameplan, different opposition to play, they have to adapt.

“The trainings, you cannot understand, is very difficult for a player. So this FIFA break has come at the right time for some psychological and physical regeneration for the players to rest and after, come back stronger.

“This FIFA break has come at the right time to give some rest to the players.”

Ouaddou reserves praise for Bucs duo

Meanwhile, Ouaddou has praised Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe following their impressive performance against Marumo Gallants on Sunday.

Mokobodi was named Man of the Match as Pirates won 2-0 and Ouaddou is in awe of the former Stellenbosch FC star who he also worked with at Gallants.

“Even though I don’t like to speak about individuals because it’s a collective sport. But since he [Mokobodi] came, this boy has been just fantastic,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport.

Orlando Pirates players celebrate a goal. Image: Orlando Pirates

“I know him from Marumo. He has a lot of activity in the middle, he’s very clever. He can give assists, he can score and he can make play his teammates.”

Ouaddou then commented on youngster Selepe’s performance.

“He’s reachable in the middle but not only him, I was really happy about Selepe as well today. He managed to keep us the balanced and to be the link between the defence and the attack. He was really, really top in the middle,” he added.

“I really congratulate him and I hope he’s going to continue to work hard in order to be efficient in the middle.”