Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the lack of rotation in his squad’s goalkeeping unit, explaining the thinking behind his decision to stick with a primary keeper despite the team’s demanding fixture load.
The Moroccan coach made these remarks about the goalkeeping position at Pirates after his side advanced to the final of the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup. Pirates booked a spot in the final after defeating Richards Bay FC 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this past Saturday.
The Buccaneers set up a final date with Marumo Gallants on the 6th of December at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. During the cup clash against the Natal Rich Boyz, Sipho Chaine was in between the sticks, having established himself as the first-choice goalie at the Soweto giants.
The Bafana Bafana international has started all matches for Pirates in the current campaign under the guidance of Ouaddou. Chaine has amassed 19 appearances across all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets and also conceding eight goals.
Chaine has managed to keep Melusi Buthelezi, Siyabonga Dladla, and Ethan Visagie out of the starting line-up at Pirates.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT THE LACK OF ROTATION IN THE GOALKEEPING POSITION
After Ouaddou expressed the importance of rotating the squad to keep the “team fresh”, he revealed that goalkeeping is a ‘special position’.
“I think the daily work with the goalkeepers is very important, it’s a special department. The mentality of a goalkeeper is special, and they are in their own world,” Ouaddou said.
“We cannot compare them to the rest of the players; it’s a different mentality. We always have to communicate with them, trust them, and give them confidence. I know that I have four good goalkeepers, but now Sipho is doing well.
“It’s a department that is very important for me, it’s not easy to change because when you have strength like that and clean sheets, it’s very sensitive to change.
“What I can tell you is that I have a fantastic goalkeeper, hardworking and very focused on the project. I’m very happy about Buthelezi, Dladla, and Visagie. They are doing a good job at the club.”
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