Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Urged to Expand Squad Depth

The demands on the Orlando Pirates squad have reached a critical juncture as the team fights for silverware on multiple fronts. While the club navigates preliminary action in continental competition and prepares for a domestic cup final, former players and analysts argue that the current roster size will determine whether the campaign ends in triumph or exhaustion.

Benedict Vilakazi Urges Squad Reinforcements for Orlando Pirates

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Tso Vilakazi has publicly called on head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to beef up his squad to cope with the relentless calendar. Although Ouaddou stated at a recent press conference that he prefers working with a tight group of 30 infield players and four goalkeepers, analysts like Vilakazi maintain that the unique pressures of the current calendar require an even wider pool of talent.

“It’s very wise to have a bigger squad. Look at the injuries that they are having right now. I think [Makhehlene] Makhaula got injured; now we have [Thalente] Mbatha, who has a knee injury. We also have [Sihle] Nduli, who got hurt badly.”

Benedict Vilakazi, via FARPost

Trophy Chasing and Fixture Congestion Across Five Fronts

The urgency behind expanding the player pool stems from the sheer volume of matches facing the Soweto giants this term. The club is active in the Betway Premiership, competing in the Carling Knockout, and bidding to defend both the Nedbank Cup and secure success in other domestic fixtures.

At the same time, the team has advanced to the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Simultaneously, the squad has been navigating the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League, including a first preliminary round, second-leg clash at home against Mauritian side La Cure Waves SC following a 0-0 away draw.

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“So, it’s going to be important to have a bigger squad, especially when you look at the trophies that are on the table for the team. You have the Betway Premiership, the MTN8, which they are in the final of now, the Carling [Knockout] that is coming in, the Nedbank Cup and the [CAF] Champions League.”

Benedict Vilakazi, via FARPost

This accumulation of high-stakes matches leaves little breathing room. Without a deep rotation, core performers risk severe burnout before the season reaches its climax.

How Travel Fatigue and Squad Rotation Shape the Season

Beyond standard fixture congestion, Vilakazi highlighted an overlooked contributor to physical exhaustion: travelling plays a part in fatigue. Continental competition requires extensive journeys that disrupt recovery schedules.

“That is one thing a lot of people don’t think of. Travelling can also cause fatigue. So that’s where you need a [big] pool of players, so that those who went to CAF come two days before the other game, and at least you can add one or two to the team that is there and carry on with the team.”

Benedict Vilakazi, via FARPost

To prepare for these demands, the club was active in the transfer market, reshaping the roster. Outgoing moves saw the departures of players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule, Patrick Maswanganyi, Deano van Rooyen, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Melusi Buthelezi, Karim Kimvuidi, Thabiso Lebitso, and Selaelo Rasebotja. Incoming arrivals include Gamphani Lungu, Sbangani Zulu, Thapelo Mokopodi, Mthetheleli, Mthiyane, Bohlale Ngwato, Matome Mmolai, Sebastian Pedersen, Neo Rapoo, and returning loan player Mohau Nkota.