Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given an update on Kamogelo Sebelebele’s injury, while praising the mentality of debutant Bulelani Sigomoshe after the Buccaneers’ 3-0 win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening.
Sebelebele was hurt during the MTN8 final, and Ouaddou says the winger is still undergoing assessment by the club’s medical department.
The Moroccan mentor remains optimistic that the problem is not serious, though he admitted that the player will not be available for the club’s upcoming Champions League fixture.
“Look… he’s still being assessed by the medical department, I still hope it’s not so bad but we will have some more news soon,” Ouaddou said.
“I think for the Champions League, definitely I can’t use him, but we will see for the next games if we can have him or not, we hope it’s not too bad.”
Sigomoshe Steps In At Right-Back
With Sebelebele sidelined, the door opened for Sigomoshe, the club’s latest signing from Milford FC, to make his Pirates debut in the right-back role. The newcomer made the most of the opportunity, playing for over an hour in his first start and setting up a goal in the comfortable victory over Galaxy.
Ouaddou was full of praise for the youngster’s attitude when he was substituted, saying he made a point of congratulating him on his contribution.
“When he came out I just congratulated him for the time he spent on the pitch, it’s really… a player with fantastic mentality, for me – if I can have many players like that to work with, I will be the most happy coach,” Ouaddou said.
The coach explained that Sigomoshe’s selection was a reward for his work behind the scenes, even though there were other options available.
“Fantastic mentality, very professional, very respectful, he’s worked very hard in training, so we wanted to give his opportunity to play today, we had other options, we could have gone for another choice, but I wanted to reward him for the work he’s done in training.”
Adapting To The Pirates Intensity
Moving from Milford FC to a club of Pirates’ stature has been a significant step up, and Ouaddou revealed that the new signing was surprised by the demands of training at his new club.
“Since he’s come [he’s impressed]. It’s not easy to adapt, you can ask him, he was just shocked of the intensity of training, he’s never seen this, but I just told him it’s the high level and if he continues to work like this, he will be able to play 90 minutes.”
Ouaddou also pinpointed what he considers the key requirement for a player in Sigomoshe’s position, and where the young defender must continue to develop.
“The most important thing in his position is repeating high intensity effort and give him body the opportunity to recover quickly, it’s the challenge, today I want to congratulate him, he was good.”
What’s Next
Pirates will now await the outcome of Sebelebele’s medical assessment, with further news expected soon. In the meantime, Sigomoshe’s assured debut gives Ouaddou a welcome option on the right side as the club juggles its domestic and continental commitments.