Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says having Kamogelo Sebelebele as the only recognised right-back in the current squad is a ‘big concern’.
After the off-season exits of Thabiso Lebitso, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, added to the loan of Tshepo Mashiloane to Sekhukhune United, the club surprisingly parted ways with Deano van Rooyen last week – who has since joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
It leaves the 24-year-old Bafana Bafana right-back, who was used as a winger in several games last season, as the only option on the right side of defence – and he’s started nine of their 10 games thus far.
Christian Derbyshire started in his role in the first leg 0-0 draw against La Cure Waves, but Ouaddou likened using a centre-back in the role as a spare wheel of a car, and not suitable for the ambitions of the 2026/27 campaign.
“You’re right it’s a big concern, Sebelebele, I love him, but I cannot push him for 60 games, it’s difficult, he’s not a robot, I can find sometimes some solutions, some emergency wheel, you know? When your car is stuck,” Ouaddou said when asked by iDiski Times about the right-back load for Sebelebele.
“But the emergency wheel will not work all the time, especially in the way we want to play – if we want to propose some attacking football, using the wide channels, you can use a central defender one or two games you know but in the important games, you will need someone who comfortable in that position.”
Pirates were in the race for Thabang Matuludi, who ironically – also joined Sundowns this week and while the in-form Ghampani Lungu has thrived in a wide forward role since his arrival at Pirates, Ouaddou hinted he could also fill in, when needed.
“I can use Lungu but actually he’s coming back from injury, so the solutions start to be limited – and then we’ll see, we’ll see [what happens in future].”
Sebelebele has featured 42 times for Pirates since joining the club last season, scoring seven goals, with three assists to his name.
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