Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on the reason he keeps his goalkeeping position unchanged while regularly rotating the rest of his squad.
Since arriving at Pirates, Ouaddou has been unpredictable with his team selections, regularly changing his lineup and at times, dropping the so-called key players when giving others a chance.
When asked why this rotation does not extend to the goalkeeper position, he explained that goalkeeping is a unique role compared to outfield positions.
Ouaddou added that Chaine’s performances — including many clean sheets he has kept — make it difficult to replace him, though the coaching staff continues to prepare the other goalkeepers to be ready whenever their chance comes.
“I think the daily work with the goalkeepers is very important,” said Ouaddou.
“It’s a special department. The mentality of the goalkeepers is different, I usually say, goalkeepers are in their own world.
“We cannot compare them with the rest of the players even though they are players, but they have a different mentality.
“We have to communicate with them, to trust them and to give them confidence but I know that I have four good goalkeepers.
“Sipho is doing well and it’s a department that is very important for me. It’s not easy to change because when you have strength like that with clean sheets, it’s very difficult to change.
“But what I can tell you is I have fantastic goalkeepers, hard workers, who are very focused on the process. I’m very happy about them, [Melusi] Buthelezi, [Siyabonga] Dladla and [Ethan] Visagie are doing a good job in the club.”
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