Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has disclosed how he plans to make tweaks in central defence following a recent successful experiment.
The Buccaneers started three centre-backs in the Carling Black Label Cup against All-Stars last Saturday. In the absence of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi who is in the Bafana Bafana camp for the 2025 AFCON finals and Mbekezeli Mbokazi who has left the club, Ouaddou tried a new line-up at the heart of defence.
The former Fulham defender threw into his starting side, Olisa Ndah, Lebone Seema and Thabiso Sesane, a departure from the usual central defence pairing of two men. It proved to be a solid setup as they managed to keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 win to end the year 2025 on a high.
It is a defensive system Ouaddou has opted to adopt going into the New Year. Pirates resume competitive football in January 2026 without Mbokazi who has left the club for Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire FC.
It is to be seen if the Soweto giants will go into the transfer market searching for Mbokazi’s replacement.
OUADDOU ON PIRATES’ NEW SYSTEM AT THE BACK
“On the [new] system, we wanted to surprise them by going with three at the back. Even if they realised it, it came as a shock because they didn’t have enough time to prepare,” Ouaddou said.
“Having said that, I might change the shape in the second half of the season and go with three at the back. It gives me confidence for the future.”
Pirates also have the experienced Tapelo Xoki as another centre-back in their squad, but the former AmaZulu FC man has been battling fitness issues. That could make Ouaddou sign a new defender in January for more depth.
The Buccaneers have been steely at the back this season, something the coach would like to see continuing in the second half of the term.