Abdeslam Ouaddou speaks on Mabasa exclusion and Mashiloane criticism | OneFootball

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Ouaddou on sidelining Mabasa and Mashiloane backlash

Photo: Veli Nhlapo

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on excluding star striker Tshegofatso Mabasa from his matchday squad, and how he will ensure Tshepo Mashiloane doesn’t suffer confidence issues amidst waves of criticism.

The Moroccan mentor has had a rocky start to his era at Pirates, but despite that, he appears to have sidelined regular key players such as Thalente Mbatha, Deano Van Rooyen, and Mabasa, who is chasing a personal record of becoming the club’s all-time top goal scorer.

While supporters have called for the experienced center-forward to lead the line, Ouaddou opted to entrust young striker Boitumelo Radiopane with the responsibility. When questioned on his selection criteria, the Bucs coach suggested it’s not the right time to play the 28-year-old frontman.

“Mabasa, we know him, and I know him from before I came here [at Pirates], it’s a talented player. But as I told you, the time will come when he will give his best to our club, and we know he’s chasing his own record, but the time will come for him,” said the Pirates boss.

Meanwhile, the former Marumo Gallants gaffer addressed the fan backlash against Mashiloane, who was an off season signing from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC. The 46-year-old tactician says they will show the right-back love to keep his confidence sky rocketing.

“Simply to keep giving him love, to give love to all my players like I always give, it’s very important. So, it’s an important player for the club and we keep believing in him, he’s a good player. He’s a young player that of course needs to improve but we love him,” Ouaddou added.

With pressure already mounting after back-to-back league defeats to Sekhukhune United and Gallants in the opening two league matches, Ouaddou will be keen to get his charges back to winning ways against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.