Orando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has disclosed the department coach Abdeslam Ouaddou places more emphasis on in his group of players.
After joining the Buccaneers in June, the Moroccan was a busy man in the transfer market, signing 14 new players. This was despite inheriting a team that had won a Cup final and reached the CAF Champions League semi-final. The Buccaneers had also finished as Betway Premiership runners-up the previous season.
Among his new acquisitions were defenders Lebone Seema, left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba, and the versatile Kamogelo Sebelebele. Right-back Tshepo Mashiloane was signed but loaned out to Sekhukhune United.
However, there has been some attention on Pirates’ central defenders, with their latest exploits being contributing to clean sheets in the last three games.
This is an area where Ouaddou enjoys rich options in Sibisi, Seema, Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Sesane and the outgoing Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
SIBISI ON WHICH DEPARTMENT OUADDOU FOCUSES MORE ON?
As a player, Ouaddou played English Premier League football with Fulham and racked up more than 50 international caps with Morocco. The former centre-back boasts of appearances at four AFCON editions in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008.
“In terms of what I have seen working with the coach for the couple of months we have been together, you can tell he was a defender during his playing days,” said Sibisi.
“He puts most of his focus on keeping clean sheets. You know, they always say defenders win titles, and occasions win games. For us, it is very important to keep them coming.
“We know whenever we start a game, we have a goal, whether it’s coming off the bench or the guys in the starting line-up. For me, that’s my key takeaway from the time I have spent with the coach.”
This season, Pirates have opted for a large group of players in their squad. That was arguably inspired by anticipating a hectic season they had planned to balance between domestic and continental duties.
The large squad has seen Ouaddou rotating his players in most departments. It reads like a bold statement that no one is guaranteed their place on the team. However, the Moroccan coach has managed to keep his players motivated amid such stiff competition for game time.
“I don’t think it has been a challenge or an issue; it hasn’t been like this from the start [squad size]. We started with two losses, and that’s when the character was tested to say, Can we dig deep? Can we come back?” said Sibisi.
“I think the boys showed that character, and you can tell whoever is playing, they give their best regardless of the position. Everyone gets their chance, and they grab it, and it’s up to the coach to make his choices.
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