Ouaddou explains players’ absence

ORLANDO Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has offered clarity on the continued absence of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa and midfielder Kamogelo Sebelebele, both of whom were left out of the matchday squad in Saturday’s Carling Knockout Cup semifinal against Richards Bay.

- SMISO MSOMI

The two players have featured prominently this season but were again missing from the travelling party that secured a victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, sending the Buccaneers into their second domestic cup final of the campaign. Ouaddou, who has maintained a clear rotation policy since taking charge, emphasised that his team selections are based purely on tactical considerations and match-specific requirements rather than form or favouritism.

“(Mabasa) is part of the group. Like I said, we have a lot of players and we try to select the players regarding the opponents,” Ouaddou explained. “About Sebelebele, he’s not out of the team, he’s just resting, but he’s not out of the team.”