Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has raised the alarm over a growing squad dilemma that could force the Buccaneers back into the transfer market. Ouaddou opened up on Pirates’ dilemma at right-back following their 3-1 victory over La Cure Waves SC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
The Buccaneers booked a spot in the second preliminary round of the Champions League after producing an impressive performance against the Mauritian team at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. In a match against La Cure Waves, Pirates found the back of the net from Kabelo Kgositsile, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Yanela Mbuthuma.
After advancing to the next round, Pirates will face Namibian side Africa Stars as they look to book a place in the Champions League group stage.
THE PIRATES DILEMMA TROUBLING OUADDOU
As Pirates navigate the demands of competing for domestic trophies and the Champions League, Ouaddou addressed concerns at right-back and admitted Sebelebele will not carry the weight alone.
The Sea Robbers currently have Kamogelo Sebelebele as the only right-back after parting ways with players such as Thabiso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, Siyabonga Ndlozi and Deano Van Rooyen, who has since joined Mamelodi Sundowns as a free agent.
“It’s a big concern, [having one right-back], even Sebelebele. I love him, but I cannot push him to 60 games. It’s difficult; he’s not a robot,” Ouaddou said.
“I can find solutions sometimes, some emergency wheel, like when your car is stuck but the emergency wheel is not going to work all the time, especially with how we want to play; we want to play attacking football using the wide channels.
“We can use a central defender for one or two games, but in the important games you will definitely need somebody who is confirmed in that position.
“I can use [Gamphani] Lungu, but he’s coming back from an injury and the solutions start to be limited, but we will see
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