‘He is not a robot’: Ouaddou makes desperate Orlando Pirates transfer plea

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is hopeful the club will make further signings before the transfer window closes, with the right-back position a particular concern.

Pirates have been left short in the position after Deano Van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso followed Bandile Shandu who left the club at the end of last season, while they recently missed out on Bafana Bafana right-back Thabang Matuludi, who also joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Polokwane City.

Kamogelo Sebelebele can operate as a wing-back on the right, but Ouaddou admits he needs another option as Pirates prepare to compete on multiple fronts.

The transfer window closes on September 21.

“I love Sebelebele, but you cannot push him for 60 games. He is not a robot,” said Ouaddou after Pirates beat La Cure Waves 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the final qualifying round of the CAF Champions League.

Mara Sebelebele was on fire on Saturday jerrrr😮‍💨😮‍💨🔥🔥

— Rehauhetswe M (@hauza_) September 14, 2026

The Moroccan coach believes using players out of position can provide a temporary solution, but it cannot become a long-term strategy for a team that wants to maintain an attacking approach.

“We can find, sometimes, some solutions, like an emergency wheel, you know, when your car is stuck. But an emergency wheel will not work every time, especially with the way we want to play.

“We want to play attacking football, using the wide channels. I can use a central defender (at right back) in one or two games. But other games you need someone confident in that position.”

𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄

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Pirates are defending their Betway Premiership title while also competing in the CAF Champions League and domestic cup competitions, increasing the demands on their squad.

Ouaddou’s comments suggest strengthening the position is now a priority before the transfer deadline, particularly with Sebelebele already carrying a significant workload.

The Pirates coach is therefore hoping the club can find a permanent solution rather than relying on what he described as an “emergency wheel” whenever squad selection leaves him short at right-back.

The alarming part is that as things stand there are no reported right back targets for Pirates.