Orlando Pirates' Abdeslam Ouaddou explains why Mbekezeli Mbokazi had to rest before cup semi-final

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained his decision to rest defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Wednesday night’s Betway Premiership victory over Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

The in-form Buccaneers maintained their strong run with a confident win in Umlazi, but Mbokazi — a mainstay in Ouaddou’s defensive structure since breaking into the side late last season — was a surprise omission from the starting eleven.

Instead, the left centre-back was introduced late in the game as a substitute, sparking curiosity among fans about his absence from the starting line-up.

Ouaddou, however, was quick to clarify the reasoning behind the decision, saying it was a matter of player welfare and long-term management amid a congested fixture schedule.

“We have to take into consideration the physical integrity of the players and manage them,” Ouaddou said. “But at the same time, it’s not easy for a coach because you have to keep the competitiveness in the team. You cannot change the team too much and lose that competitiveness.”

The French-Moroccan coach revealed that the technical team, together with the club’s performance department, agreed to manage Mbokazi’s workload carefully given the amount of football he has played this season — both for club and country.

“We know the load that Mbokazi has been exposed to since the beginning of the season, with the national team and with us as well,” Ouaddou added.

“We thought — myself, my staff, and the performance department — that we needed to give him a little bit of rest and bring him on towards the end of the match, and he did well.”

The decision also took into account Saturday’s Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Richards Bay FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Buccaneers are aiming to reach another domestic final, having already lifted the MTN8 trophy earlier this season.

Ouaddou will look to maintain the team’s momentum, particularly after impressive performances from two recent signings — Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba — both of whom joined Pirates from Richards Bay at the start of the campaign.

Mbuthuma came off the bench to score twice, while Ndaba’s first-half strike set the tone for the win and earned him the Man of the Match award. Their performances have strengthened their cases for starting roles against their former club.

“About these two players, it’s like all my boys,” Ouaddou said modestly.

“I cannot just take the performance of these two boys; I have to look at the performance of the whole team. I always say that if one player or two players are shining on the pitch, it’s because of the performance of the whole team. So, thanks to the group and well done to them.”

With Pirates showing renewed sharpness and depth, Ouaddou’s rotation policy appears both strategic and timely as the Buccaneers continue their pursuit of another cup final appearance.