Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has responded to the possibility of promoting the club’s DDC star Joy Manana as the club navigates a sudden striker shortage.
The Buccaneers’ attacking depth has been severely tested following an injury to Bafana Bafana international Evidence Makgopa. His absence was felt heavily in the recent 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in a midweek Betway Premiership tie, leaving Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane as the only fit natural No. 9s available to the Moroccan mentor. While Mbuthuma started against Sundowns, Radiopane has yet to make a senior matchday squad this year.
The lack of efficiency upfront remains a concern. Pirates’ three primary strikers have struggled for consistency, netting only 12 goals in a combined 42 appearances across all competitions this season. Mbuthuma leads the charts with seven goals in 17 games, followed by Makgopa with four, and Radiopane with just one.
In a move that surprised many, Pirates opted to trim their attacking department during the January transfer window. The club sent their top goalscorer from the previous two seasons, Tshegofatso Mabasa, on loan to Stellenbosch FC as he reportedly did not fit the current tactical plan. Sifiso Luthuli was also sent on loan to Magesi FC.
PIRATES BEFEED UP ATTACKING OPTIONS IN THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
While the club brought in attack-minded players like Andre de Jong and Daniel Msendami, their natural roles differ. Although De Jong can lead the line, his primary position is as an attacking midfielder, while Msendami is a winger.
When asked if this is the opportune moment to promote Joy Manana—who is enjoying a stellar DDC campaign with 8 goals—Ouaddou did not shut the door.
“Why not? You know we are very close to the DDC, you know that in my [first team] staff, I have Roscoe Kriel [Pirates’ DDC head coach] and Mxolisi Mngomezulu [youth scout], and we’re working closely with each other,” Ouaddou said.
“We have much information from the DDC, the guys who are doing well. So you can be sure if we need them and we are short, they can be interesting. For now, I think we are okay, we have numbers, players who can play in that position, so for now we are okay.”
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