Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on how he intends to integrate the newly signed trio of Andre de Jong, Daniel Msendami, and Mpho Chabatsane. The Buccaneers went into the market to sign the three following the exit of Bafana Bafana centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
None of the three new signings featured in the dominant display against Sekhukhune United, which lacked only a finishing touch. The Bucs shared the spoils in a goalless draw against a resilient Babina Noko on Saturday in Polokwane.
Ouaddou was quick to praise his current starting XI, emphasising that the stalemate was a matter of luck rather than a lack of effort or discipline.
“The players played a great game in terms of intensity and creating chances in both halves,” Ouaddou noted. “Unfortunately, this ball didn’t want to go inside the net, it’s football. They gave everything; they were disciplined tactically and technically. We are a bit disappointed because we deserved to win, but you must give credit to Sekhukhune’s organisation and team spirit.”
Despite the dropped points, the head coach is confident that the ‘dynamic’ of the team is heading in the right direction.
While the performance left fans encouraged, the primary talking point surrounding the fixture was the absence of the club’s high-profile January acquisitions.
HOW OUADDOU INTENDS TO INTEGRATE JANUARY TRIO
De Jong and Msendami were brought in to provide the very clinical edge that was missing against Babina Noko while Chabatsane is seemingly a replacement for Mbokazi. When questioned on their omission, Ouaddou revealed that while the players are physically prepared, the timing must be right for their integration.
“They were with us in the camp, so they are fit and ready. They just have to wait for when the coach and the team need them,” Ouaddou explained.
He highlighted three key reasons for their gradual introduction. He said all three players successfully completed the mid-season camp and are fully fit. Ouaddou further emphasised that the scouting department specifically targeted the trio because they align with the club’s “identity and qualities.” The coach expressed satisfaction with the ‘competitiveness’ shown by the new arrivals during training sessions, suggesting a “selection headache” is looming.
While the fans are eager to see De Jong’s veteran presence, Msendami’s flair, and Chabatsane’s energy on the pitch, Ouaddou is refusing to rush the process. “They will come to help us for sure. Surely, we will be able to see them on the pitch soon.”
As the race for league positions intensifies, the pressure will be on Ouaddou to successfully blend these new assets into a squad that is playing well but desperate for a clinical spark.
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