“This One Is on the Coach” – Pirates Fans Blast Ouaddou After Goalless Sekhukhune Draw
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has once again found himself under intense scrutiny following the Buccaneers’ goalless draw against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.
The 0-0 stalemate, played at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, may not have produced goals, but it certainly produced debate. Rather than focusing on the result, much of the post-match discussion centred on Ouaddou’s starting line-up – a decision that left many Pirates supporters frustrated and vocal.
The biggest talking point was the absence of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis from the starting eleven, while Sipho Mbule was completely left out of the matchday squad. In a tightly contested fixture with league implications, the decision raised eyebrows among the Buccaneers’ faithful.
Mofokeng and Appollis were eventually introduced from the bench in the second half, but Mbule was given the weekend off entirely. Speaking after the match, Ouaddou explained that the call was part of a broader squad management strategy aimed at balancing physical recovery and mental sharpness during a demanding phase of the season.
However, that explanation did little to calm sections of the fanbase.
Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates played out a 0-0 draw in the Betway Premiership (Image: @orlandopirates/X)
Supporters took to the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account to express their dissatisfaction, with many blaming the coach for missed opportunities.
One fan, @KgomoMalope, criticised the decision to rotate the squad, saying Pirates “blew the chance to lead again” and questioning why certain players completed the full 90 minutes while proven performers started on the bench.
Another supporter, @DerealMiles4, was even more blunt, claiming the draw was “on the coach” and arguing that benching key players in a crucial match was unacceptable given the club’s long wait for a league title.
Similar sentiments were echoed by @Ntokii012, who described the selection as “poor” and insisted it was not the right time for rotations, while @MduduziMtoffy warned that “small mistakes will cost us” in a tightly contested title race.
@Bongani11126441 summed up the frustration felt by many, stating that Mofokeng and Appollis “cannot start on the bench” if Pirates are serious about challenging for the league.
Despite the criticism, the season moves on quickly. Sekhukhune United return to action on Tuesday with another high-profile clash – a top-four showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, will turn their attention to Orlando Stadium, where they host Magesi FC next Saturday. With the Buccaneers eager to reclaim top spot on the standings, pressure will once again be on Ouaddou to get his selections right.
As the title race intensifies, every decision – on and off the pitch – is likely to be placed under the microscope.