Abdeslam Ouaddou confirms that striker Tshegofatso Mabasa will miss the next match! | OneFootball

The Moroccan team confirms the absence of one of its most important players for the upcoming match.

Abdeslam Ouaddou confirms that striker Tshegofatso Mabasa will miss the next match!

Orlando Pirates' head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has directly addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding striker Tshegofatso Mabasa's frequent omission from the team's matchday selections. Since the start of the 2025/26 campaign, the talented forward has found consistent starting opportunities hard to come by under the new Moroccan tactician.

Despite making nine appearances across all competitions and contributing four crucial goals—including one in the MTN8 final victory over Stellenbosch FC—Mabasa has often been a spectator from the sidelines. Ouaddou, who joined Pirates from Marumo Gallants, has shown a clear preference for the attacking duo of Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa.

In a candid interview on MSW via 947 radio, Coach Ouaddou sought to clarify his decision-making process. “To be honest, many people are asking me that question [about Mabasa’s absence], first of all, I don’t have any issue with Mabasa,” he stated. “He’s a player that I love, he’s a good guy, he’s a good striker, and now I have a lot of strikers."

Ouaddou elaborated that tactical considerations are paramount in his selections. “Sometimes, tactically, the profile of the defence we are going to play influences the choice of striker. Sometimes we are playing high, sometimes we’re playing mid block. My game model is very demanding. There are a lot of runs, pressing, and a lot of demand in terms of fitness. With my staff, we are choosing players regarding the opponents we are going to play."

The coach highlighted the specific attributes needed for his system, particularly against teams that build from the back. “If the opponents are building from the back, we need someone to chase. He had the opportunity to play maybe not enough, but I have Makgopa, Mbuthuma, Mabasa, [Boitumelo] Radiopane, and [Sfiso] Luthuli, five players in one position."

Acknowledging the perception of unfairness from fans, Ouaddou explained the difficult choices he must make. “And sometimes fans can feel that there is an injustice, but it’s just rules, and I can only play 11 players on the pitch. As a coach and educator, I have to improve players."

He concluded with pointed feedback for Mabasa, affirming his strengths while outlining areas for development. “Mabasa knows that he’s one of the best players who is capable of finishing in the box. Now we’re pressing very high and chasing, I cannot afford to leave the opponents with the ball for than five seconds, it’s too much. It’s an area that he knows he needs to do more. When you have players who are able to do that, we make the choice to select those kinds of players. We expect a bit more from him in terms of pressing.”