‘There is an emergency’ – Why Bafana stars are worrying Pirates coach

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a plea to some of his players to quickly regain their form after some lackluster performances.

Pirates dropped crucial points on Wednesday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in a league match and while they wasted a number of key chances, they were not at their free-flowing best.

Some of their top players have not been at their top level, with part of those who featured at the 2026 World Cup such as Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Oswin Appollis still not at their best, leaving the Pirates coach worried.

Pirates coach issues rallying call

With injuries to Thalenthe Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, Ouaddou admits his players must wake up immediately, saying only goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and defender Nkosinathi Sibisi seem to be ready from the World Cup group.

“My worry is when am I going to recover the international players fully fit? Today, I have seen a fantastic game of [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, really he played his role today, Sipho Chaine played his role,” said Ouaddou as per iDiski Times.

“But since the beginning of the season, I am playing with one or two men down. So, when am I going to recover them? I hope as soon as possible, because there is an emergency.

🗣️“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐩𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛”

Abdelsam Ouaddou believes Sibisi and Chaine are the only international players who have recovered and are contributing well in the team, post the FIFA World Cup#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/YNl0ttxYRb

— Ayanda Nyuswa 🇿🇦 (@atnyuswa) August 12, 2026

Ouaddou warns World Cup stars

“You know that every point is very important. We are going to wait for these points at the end of the season. I need quickly my international players to land, let’s say, in our planet, in our hearts.”

Ouaddou has urged the players who featured at the World Cup to fully focus on the season as they could be out of the running for major honours very soon if things do not change quickly.

“The US is finished, and they need quickly to be part of the team spirit, about the expectation of the club, the expectation of the fans because football is very difficult to wait, because if we wait until December to get fit, it will be late,” he added. “So, I really need them to come to the party.”

Ouaddou will be hoping for a quick reaction as his team face Chippa United in their third league match of the season on Sunday.