Former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota has reacted to the club’s first defeat of the 2025/26 season in the Betway Premiership, suggesting what the coach needs to do going forward.
Pirates suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United in the first match of the league at Orlando Stadium this past weekend.
The Buccaneers struggled to create enough goal-scoring opportunities as Sekhukhune stood firm in their defensive set-up.
Before losing against Babina Noko, the Soweto giants claimed an impressive 2-0 victory over Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-final over a week ago.
In the current transfer window, Pirates have made a handful of new signings, aiming to compete in all competitions.
The Sea Robbers signed Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Sihle Nduli, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Tshepho Mashiloane, and Abdoulaye Mariko.
After a false start to the Premiership, a handful of supporters questioned the selection of the starting line-up put out by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The Moroccan tactician has been leaving out last season’s key players such as Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano Van Rooyen.
WHAT MOHAU NKOTA SAID ABOUT ORLANDO PIRATES SELECTION
Mohau Nkota has weighed in on Pirates’ selection and said the coach needs to shuffle the team around, particularly in the midfield. The 20-year-old recently completed a move from Pirates to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq FC.
“I think they played well, but I also think most of the time they played the ball at the back,” Nkota said on Metro FM.
“I think the coach needs to shuffle man, he must shuffle the midfield because you have a lot of players in the midfield.
“There is a big game coming [against Mamelodi Sundowns], for me there’s a lot of quality on the bench, even up there on the stands, so I’m not a coach but there’s just too much quality.”
RELATED STORY: Mohau Nkota strikes twice as Pirates see off AmaZulu FC