Abdeslam Ouaddou explains why Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kamogelo Sebelebele are absent from the team! | OneFootball

Abdeslam Ouaddou explains why Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kamogelo Sebelebele are absent from the team!

In the high-stakes world of Orlando Pirates, where every lineup decision is dissected by millions, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on the two notable names missing from his recent matchday squads: Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

The absence of the two attackers has been a topic of much speculation among the Sea Robbers' faithful. Mabasa, a natural goal-poacher, has experienced a fluctuating role since Ouaddou's arrival, often finding himself behind Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa in the pecking order. Despite a respectable return of four goals and an assist in nine appearances this season, his last outing dates back to early October, leaving fans to wonder about his status.

Similarly, the electrifying start for Kamogelo Sebelebele has hit a pause. The wing-back, who burst onto the scene with a memorable double in the MTN8 semi-finals, has been absent from the last two league fixtures. Having arrived from TS Galaxy with a burgeoning reputation, his three goals in 14 games had marked him as an exciting new weapon in the Pirates' arsenal.

Addressing the whispers head-on, Coach Ouaddou moved to quell any concerns, firmly stating that neither player is struggling with injury. Instead, he framed their absences as a simple, strategic reality of managing a top-tier squad.

"He’s part of the group," Ouaddou affirmed regarding Mabasa, emphasizing that his selections are a nuanced process. "We have a lot of players and we try to select them regarding the opponents and profiling our players."

As for the dynamic Sebelebele, the message was one of reassurance rather than demotion. "About Sebelebele, he’s not out of the team; he’s just resting, but he’s not out of the team." It's a clear signal that in the long and demanding season, rotation is not a sign of distrust, but a necessary tool for a coach with a deep roster and multiple trophies in his sights. For now, two of the team's potential game-changers are being managed, not sidelined.