Pirates’ Ouaddou describes life without Mofokeng and Maswanganyi

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has outlined how the team is adapting to the recent departures of star playmakers Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng.

The Moroccan tactician addressed the challenge following the Buccaneers’ dominant 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. The win secured their place in the final with a convincing 4-0 aggregate scoreline.

Goals from Thapelo Mokobodi, Gamphani Lungu and Kamogelo Sebelebele at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday propelled Pirates one step closer to a remarkable fifth consecutive MTN8 title. They now await the winner of the other semi-final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows to determine their opponent in the final.

Ouaddou on adjusting without Tito and Rele

Despite the impressive performance against Babina Noko, Ouaddou acknowledged the difficulty of losing two influential players in a single transfer window.

“We had very good profiles with Mofokeng and Tito. For a coach, it’s not easy to lose these kinds of profiles, but it’s the life of football,” Ouaddou stated as per FARPost.

“Like I said, I wish them all the best.” “But now, the club must move on and use the profiles that are already here and try to find suitable assistance for the players that are there. Of course, we want to play fast with high intensity with these new profiles, but the most important thing is how we can limit the touches in crowded areas where there’s a lot of pressure.”

Pirates coach making the best of what he has

The coach highlighted the tactical adjustments required, focusing on quicker decision-making.

“We have to train them to make decisions before receiving the ball. For me, the challenge now is to reduce the touches in crowded areas. It’s a challenge when you lose key players, but my job as a coach is not to look for excuses.”

Mofokeng moved to Belgian top-flight club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise during the off-season, while Maswanganyi recently transferred to Bahraini side Alkhaldiya SC.

The duo were instrumental in Pirates’ historic treble-winning campaign last season, where they secured the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and the coveted league title. Maswanganyi contributed 10 goals and four assists in 34 appearances, while Mofokeng scored 11 goals and provided nine assists across 36 matches.