Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the decision to leave captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and regular starting striker Yanela Mbuthuma out of Tuesday’s matchday squad against Sekhukhune United.
Both players were notable absentees as Pirates secured a 2-0 victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis getting on the scoresheet.
With the Buccaneers playing their third match in a demanding run that has seen them face Sekhukhune twice in four days, Ouaddou opted to rotate his squad rather than risk overloading key players.
Sibisi has been an important figure in the Pirates defence, while Mbuthuma has featured prominently in attack since the start of the season.
Ouaddou said the decision was also influenced by the workload carried by players returning from international duty.
“When you play three games in a row and you have international players, we have to be careful of the load, it’s our job to anticipate injuries,” he explained.
The Pirates coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of managing his squad carefully, particularly after several players suffered injuries following the recent FIFA World Cup.
The Buccaneers have already lost Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa to significant injuries, while Appollis has also been carefully managed since returning from Bafana Bafana duty.
For Ouaddou, Tuesday’s fixture presented an ideal opportunity to give some of his regulars a breather while assessing the players waiting for their chance.
“So we rested Sibisi and Mbuthuma. I think he had a lot of games so it was time to give him a rest and see the other strikers as well,” he said.
“It was the right moment to make the rotation because if I didn’t do it then I don’t know when I’d get the chance again.”
The decision ultimately paid off, with Pirates extending their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to 10 points after four matches.
However, Ouaddou will now have to decide whether Sibisi and Mbuthuma return for Saturday’s crucial MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune.
Pirates lead the tie 1-0 from the first leg, but their coach admitted after Tuesday’s win that Sekhukhune were the better side on the night.
That makes the management of his squad even more important, with the Buccaneers now preparing for another high-stakes meeting with the same opponent.
@SmisoMsomi
IOL Sport
