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 semi-final against Richards Bay.
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.”
Mabasa has scored four goals and registered one assist in nine appearances across all competitions this season but has now missed four consecutive matchday squads. With Evidence Makgopa and youngster Yanela Mbuthuma preferred in recent games, the 27-year-old striker’s omission has raised eyebrows among supporters.
Sebelebele’s absence has also been notable. The versatile midfielder made a strong start to the season, featuring 14 times and scoring three crucial goals before being rested in the matches against Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows, and now Richards Bay.
Ouaddou explained that the 23-year-old’s situation is purely a matter of rotation and recovery as he continues to manage the physical load of a long and demanding campaign.
“He’s not been dropped,” Ouaddou reiterated. “Sometimes players need to recover mentally and physically, especially those who’ve played a lot of minutes in a short space of time. Kamogelo remains an important part of our structure.”
The Pirates coach also provided updates on injuries within his squad, particularly midfielder Sihle Nduli, who was forced off during the midweek Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows.
“He is in Johannesburg with our medical department,” Ouaddou confirmed.
“I’d be lying to you if I said I have all the information. Now, he is under assessment, and I hope this afternoon we’ll have some information about him.”
While Nduli remains a doubt, Ouaddou confirmed that defender Olisa Ndah and midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula are back in full training, though the technical team will not rush their return.
“Makhaula and Ndah are back in full training. They are training normally with the group,” he said.
“They are two important players for us, but when a player comes from injury, there are many stages you have to respect. We want them consistent and ready for high-level competition — we don’t want to take risks and lose them again.”
Ouaddou’s measured approach reflects the discipline that has defined his brief tenure. With Pirates chasing another trophy, the French-Moroccan tactician remains focused on maintaining squad depth and balance rather than over-relying on individuals — even those as influential as Mabasa and Sebelebele.
