Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has pinpointed a lack of physicality as a critical weakness in both his squad and South African football at large. The Moroccan tactician believes his side’s toughest domestic battles this season came against teams that imposed themselves physically, specifically naming encounters with Richards Bay, Siwelele, and the Soweto Derby as examples. “If you look at the games where we were in trouble this season, they were matches where we were challenged in duels and physical battles,” Ouaddou stated, adding that players lacking strength must compensate with intelligence and technical awareness.
Ouaddou’s assessment carries significant weight given his debut season at Pirates, which yielded two trophies but also exposed a recurring vulnerability. The Buccaneers’ struggles against physically dominant opposition were starkly evident in their CAF Champions League campaign, where they suffered a 3-0 first-leg defeat to DR Congo’s Saint-Éloi Lupopo. Though Pirates rallied to win the return leg 3-0, they were eliminated on penalties, with many observers noting their difficulty coping with Lupopo’s robust approach. This pattern suggests a systemic issue that could hinder South African clubs on the continental stage.
The coach’s comments signal a potential shift in recruitment and training priorities at Pirates, with a greater emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical adaptability. As the Buccaneers look to build on their domestic success and mount a stronger challenge in next season’s CAF competitions, Ouaddou’s frank admission may prompt a reassessment of player development in the PSL. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the club can address this weakness during the upcoming transfer window.