Chaine's form, Buthelezi's role and Ndaba's growth: Ouaddou breaks it down

ORLANDO Pirates head coach Abdelam Ouaddou has explained why Melusi Buthelezi has featured so little this season, while also praising the rapid rise of young left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba in his debut campaign.

- SMISO MSOMI

Buthelezi, now 27, has made just one substitute appearance in the current campaign and has featured only six times across all competitions over the past two seasons.

His busiest period came in the 2023/24 term when he accumulated 15 appearances in domestic and continental matches.

With Sipho Chaine now firmly established as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Ouaddou said his decisions are rooted in maintaining stability.

“! think the daily work with the goalkeepers is very important,” the Moroccan tactician explained.

“It’s a special department.

“The mentality of goalkeepers is unique. They are in their own world, and we cannot compare them to the rest of the players.”

Ouaddou added that consistent communication within the position group is essential for maintaining confidence and readiness.