Orlando Pirates Consider More Signings As Abdeslam Ouaddou Addresses Squad Depth
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened the door to further additions before the transfer window closes, with the Buccaneers continuing to assess their squad ahead of a demanding season. The Soweto giants have already made significant changes to their playing personnel during the off-season as they prepare to defend their Betway Premiership title and compete across several competitions. Several important players have departed, including Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, creating changes that the club has had to manage during the early stages of the new campaign. Pirates have also strengthened their squad with a number of new arrivals, but questions remain over depth in certain positions. Right-back has emerged as one of the areas that could receive additional attention before the transfer window closes.
Ouaddou acknowledged that further recruitment remains possible as Pirates prepare for a season that could involve a heavy number of matches. The coach explained that an ambitious club competing in several tournaments needs to consider whether its squad has enough depth to handle the demands of the schedule. He specifically identified the right-back position as an area where the club would welcome another option if the right player becomes available. However, Ouaddou made it clear that he does not personally control the recruitment process at the club. Instead, the scouting department evaluates the team’s requirements and searches for players who could fit those needs.
The Pirates coach’s comments provide an indication of how the club is approaching the final stages of the transfer window. Rather than confirming that a specific player will arrive, Ouaddou explained that the recruitment process remains under consideration. The club has already brought in new faces during the off-season, but the demands of competing on multiple fronts mean further squad adjustments could still be necessary. Right-back appears to be one position receiving particular attention, especially given the limited depth available in that area. Any potential addition would need to fit into the team’s plans while providing Ouaddou with another reliable option during a busy campaign.
Pirates face a demanding schedule because of their involvement in domestic and continental competitions. Alongside their Betway Premiership title defence, the Buccaneers are competing in the CAF Champions League and will also have commitments in domestic cup competitions. Ouaddou highlighted the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Black Label Cup when discussing the number of matches his squad could face. Managing such a schedule requires careful use of the available players, particularly when injuries, suspensions and international call-ups affect selection. The need for rotation makes squad depth especially important as the season progresses.
The departure of Mofokeng and Maswanganyi has also contributed to the changes around the Pirates squad. Both players were part of the club’s recent campaigns and their exits have created additional changes for the coaching staff to manage. Pirates have responded by bringing in new players, but the squad still needs to cover different positions across a potentially congested fixture list. The right-back position has become a particular point of discussion following Ouaddou’s comments. The coach’s remarks suggest that the club understands where it may need additional cover and is relying on its recruitment structures to identify possible solutions.
Ouaddou also stressed that he would not use the absence of new signings as an excuse if Pirates do not add another player before the transfer window closes. The coach said that if the club does not make further additions, it will be his responsibility to find solutions using the players already available to him. That approach reflects the reality of managing a squad during a long season, where coaches must often adjust their plans according to circumstances. Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can force tactical changes regardless of how many players are available. For Ouaddou, the immediate priority is therefore to make the most of his existing squad while the recruitment department continues its assessment.
The coach’s comments also underline the different responsibilities within the Pirates structure. While Ouaddou provides technical input on what the team needs, the scouting department handles the process of identifying potential additions. This means any new signing will depend on several factors beyond the coach’s direct control. The player must meet the club’s requirements, fit into the team’s plans and become available within the remaining transfer period. Pirates therefore have to balance their sporting needs with the practical demands of recruitment. Until the club makes an official announcement, there is no confirmation that another player will be added to the squad.
For now, Pirates will continue preparing for a season that could test their depth across multiple competitions. Ouaddou has made it clear that he would welcome further reinforcements, particularly at right-back, but he also remains prepared to work with the players already at his disposal. The Buccaneers have already invested in their squad during the off-season and will now assess whether further changes are required before the transfer window closes. Their ability to manage the demanding fixture list will depend on the availability and form of the players within the squad. With the Betway Premiership title defence and CAF Champions League campaign underway, the coming weeks should provide a clearer picture of whether Pirates decide to strengthen further or continue with their current options.
