Coach Ouaddou to track Orlando Pirates stars during AFCON break

Orlando Pirates’ head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou intends to attend every Bafana Bafana match during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations to evaluate his players’ performances.

The Moroccan-born coach will be on home soil when the tournament kicks off in Morocco from Sunday to January 18. The 47-year-old Ouaddou is a former Moroccan international with 58 caps. South Africa’s three group games are against Angola on December 22, followed by encounters with Egypt and Zimbabwe.

Ouaddou said the break from domestic competition for AFCON has come at a good time.

“The break has come at the right moment, as we have played numerous matches. The pause aligns with the national team’s needs. The nation requires our players to be fit and fully committed.

“I will closely monitor their performances during the national team’s fixtures and expect them to deliver their utmost for their country.”

Pirates have nine players in the squad selected by Belgian coach Hugo Broos and his assistant, Helman Mkhalele, a former Pirates winger.

The players are Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has recently joined Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

Furthermore, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has recognised Pirates’ effective game strategy as a key factor in their successful season.

He noted that Pirates do not excel through extended dominance, but by efficiently capitalising on scoring opportunities when they arise.

Mngqithi remarked: “What sets this Pirates team apart is their efficiency. In past seasons, they may have struggled to convert chances, but this year the addition of players like Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis has significantly improved their attacking prowess.”

Whether it is a cup final or a league match, Pirates have consistently shown their ability to perform at a high level. In just four months, the club have amassed an impressive R18.6 million in prize money from victories in the MTN8, Carling Knockout and the Carling All-Stars Cup.

As the first half of the season unfolded, it became evident that Pirates had set their sights beyond mere competition. They are actively pursuing every available domestic trophy and, given their current form, halting their momentum will be a formidable challenge.