Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Defends Goalkeeper Strategy Amid Rotation Policy Debate

The Sea Robbers coach defends his unwavering faith in one trusted goalkeeper despite maintaining a strict rotation policy elsewhere.

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on his decision to keep Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sipho Chaine as his undisputed number one choice, even as he continues to rotate players in other departments. 

Despite defending his rotational policy aimed at keeping the entire squad involved, Ouaddou has made it clear that his approach to goalkeepers follows a different philosophy.

Chaine has been a permanent fixture in the Pirates starting lineup this season, featuring in every competition the Soweto giants have contested. 

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Under Ouaddou, Chaine has recorded an impressive tally of 19 appearances across all competitions, boasting 12 clean sheets and conceding only eight goals.

“I think the daily work with the goalkeepers is very important; it’s a special department. The mentality of a goalkeeper is special, and they are in their own world,” Ouaddou said, as per FARPost.

“We cannot compare them to the rest of the players; it’s a different mentality. We always have to communicate with them, trust them, and give them confidence. I know that I have four good goalkeepers, but now Sipho is doing well," he explained.

Consistency Over Change

Ouaddou emphasized that the goalkeeping department operates differently from other areas of the team, noting that frequent changes could disrupt rhythm and confidence. 

He praised Chaine for his professionalism and work ethic, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability in such a key position.

“It’s a department that is very important for me; it’s not easy to change because when you have strength like that and clean sheets, it’s very sensitive to change," he added.

“What I can tell you is that I have a fantastic goalkeeper, hard-working, very focused on the project. I’m very happy about Buthelezi, Dladla, and Visagie. They are doing a good job at the club.”

Balancing Rotation and Trust

Interestingly, Ouaddou’s approach to his goalkeeper contrasts sharply with his broader rotational policy, which has seen several outfield players shuffled in and out of the lineup. 

“I have faith in all my players. I think you have seen how I’ve been working since the beginning of this season; I tried to rotate the players because we’re playing many competitions, so I have faith in all my players,” Ouaddou explained recently.

“You have to trust them; you have to show them you trust them – you have to give them chances. It’s what we’re doing. If you don’t trust the group, it can be difficult to manage the group, and it’s this group that can make you win a competition."

Players like Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thalente Mbatha, who were key figures under former coach Jose Riveiro, have seen reduced minutes under the new system. 

However, Ouaddou’s rotation has also opened doors for fringe players, such as youngster Cemran Dansin, who recently scored a stunning equalizer against Mamelodi Sundowns.

“You can win a game with 11 players, but if you want to win titles, you need to trust your whole group. It’s what we’re doing with Orlando Pirates; the mentality is good, I like it, and we have to continue like that,” said Ouaddou.

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