Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed questions surrounding Tshegofatso Mabasa’s absence from the squad in their Betway Premiership opener against Sekhukhune United.
Despite being fully fit, the striker—who led the line for the Buccaneers over the past two seasons—was left out of the match-day squad for the second consecutive game, having also missed their MTN8 win over Polokwane City.
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Pirates dominated possession and carved out promising chances at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, but ultimately fell 1-0 to Sekhukhune. Ouaddou stood firm on his decision, stating: “Mabasa is available. It was a choice we made.”
“Mabasa is available. It was a choice we made,” said the coach.
“He’s ready, and when we call on him, I believe he will perform and give us his best. I understand the questions, especially since our strikers didn’t score, but we have a lot of players this season and everyone will get their chance at the right time.”
In Mabasa’s absence, 22-year-old Boitumelo Radiopane led the line, while 23-year-old Yanela Mbuthuma featured off the bench.
Pirates now have little time to regroup as they prepare for a quick turnaround, travelling to the Dr Rantlai Petrus Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday to face Marumo Gallants.
After firing blanks in their opener, Ouaddou may look to call on his proven marksman to help ignite their season in the coming weeks. With a quick turnaround, Pirates will need to put this result behind them as they prepare to face Marumo Gallants at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 19:30, and Ouaddou will be looking for his team to secure their first win of the campaign.