Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Speaks - Sekhukhune Challenge & Appollis' Game Time Addressed

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

Share this article

Ouaddou expects a tough Carling Knockout tie for Orlando Pirates against Sekhukhune United.
Previous wins over Sekhukhune are not seen as an advantage, with Ouaddou stressing the need for peak performance.
Oswin Appollis' limited minutes are due to workload management after a busy period.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his side about a tough cup tie vs Sekhukhune on Saturday (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed several talking points surrounding the Buccaneers, including their upcoming Carling Knockout clash against Sekhukhune United and Oswin Appollis' limited game time.
Ouaddou Warns Of Tough Sekhukhune Test
Appollis' Limited Game Time Explained
Ncikazi Breaks Silence On Alleged Ouaddou Fallout

Meanwhile, former assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has finally spoken about speculation surrounding his alleged fallout with the Moroccan tactician before leaving the club.

Ouaddou Warns Of Tough Sekhukhune Test

Pirates are preparing for another meeting with Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals, despite having beaten Babina Noko three times already this year.

Ouaddou, however, believes their previous victories will count for little, warning that his team must be at their highest level to progress. "It will be one of the most difficult games," he said, while also highlighting the importance of home support, adding that "the 12th man will give us power and energy."

Appollis' Limited Game Time Explained

Ouaddou has also explained why Oswin Appollis has not enjoyed as many minutes as expected this season, insisting that the technical team are carefully managing the winger's workload. The Pirates coach praised the 25-year-old's quality but noted he has endured a demanding period.

This follows an impressive debut campaign and his involvement with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "He is a human, he is not a robot," Ouaddou explained, adding that "we are protecting our diamond" because he believes Appollis will remain important to the team.

Ncikazi Breaks Silence On Alleged Ouaddou Fallout

Former Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has finally addressed speculation about an alleged breakdown in his relationship with Ouaddou before his departure from the Soweto giants.

Speaking after Golden Arrows' Carling Knockout defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Ncikazi avoided confirming or denying whether there had been problems between the two coaches. "You don't talk ill of your former employer because you offend them," he said, further explaining that he has a responsibility to "protect the environment that I work for."

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.