Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he predicts a bright future for striker Sifiso Luthuli, following the forward’s first appearance of the 2026/27 season against Sekhukhune United.
Luthuli came on as a second-half substitute in Pirates’ narrow 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune in the quarter-final of the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Buccaneers booked a place in the semi-final of the Carling Cup with a first-half goal from teenage sensation Mpho Padime at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Padime’s solitary strike was enough to seal Pirates’ spot in the last four on the CKO, joining rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who advanced to the semi-final with a 1-0 win against Golden Arrows midweek.
Speaking to the media after the positive results against Babina Noko, Ouaddou praised Luthuli’s performance after the striker replaced Yanela Mbuthuma, who has been the preferred choice to lead Pirates’ striking force.
OUADDOU OPENS UP ON SIFISO LUTHULI’S SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES
“About Luthuli, he has been doing well since the beginning of the season in the team of impact players. He showed us some great signs, and he was scoring,” Ouaddou said.
“And I wanted to protect the other strikers, Evidence, Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen. It was a moment for him [Luthuli] to come and play; it was the right moment for me.
“Yes, he showed some good signs of football; he’s somebody who’s able to play between the lines, good in the air even if we didn’t see him that much today; he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box.
“He’s somebody who can score with his left and right foot. What I like about him is the fighting spirit. He’s able to press, and he’s a hard worker. I think he’s the future of Orlando Pirates, and we have to give him time and keep on bringing him in to give him experience in the team.”
Luthuli returned to the Soweto giants ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season after spending the second round of the previous campaign at Magesi FC.
The 25-year-old, who came through the Pirates development structures, played regularly at Magesi, although he couldn’t help the Limpopo-based side avoid relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
At Magesi, Luthuli featured in 16 matches across all competitions. He scored one goal and registered four assists.
Although the forward faces stiff competition from Mbuthuma, Makgopa, Radiopane, and Pedersen, Luthuli will be looking to hold down a regular starting berth at Pirates in the upcoming matches.
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