Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has dropped the clearest indication yet that the club’s squad could be trimmed before the transfer window closes, revealing that he believes a 34-man squad is the ideal size for a team competing on multiple fronts.
The Buccaneers kicked off their Betway Premiership campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Milford FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. However, while pleased with the result, Ouaddou also offered an insight into how he plans to manage his squad during a demanding season.
Speaking after the match, the Moroccan tactician outlined what he considers the perfect squad balance for a club competing in the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.
“Look, if we play in all the competitions—the PSL, the Champions League, MTN8, Carling Cup and the Nedbank Cup—if we have the chance to play in all of them, 30 players is okay for me. Thirty players. Add the goalkeepers, four goalkeepers, and it’s 34 players.
“We can have some suspensions, we can have some injured players, so if you play in all these competitions, I can manage 30 players. But more than that, to be honest, 35 players, then it starts to become difficult because you cannot really be efficient in your work.
“One point that is very important as well is that when you have 30 players to manage, of course, you need the staff, and we have the staff to manage those numbers. But you need facilities as well. When I say facilities, it’s to have at least two pitches.”
Ouaddou’s comments are significant given the size of Pirates’ current first-team squad. Based on the club’s latest player list, the Buccaneers have 42 players at their disposal, made up of 38 outfield players and four goalkeepers—eight more than the coach’s preferred number.
While the former Morocco international did not reveal whether players will be sold, loaned out or released, his remarks strongly suggest the squad could undergo further changes before the transfer window closes.
With Pirates set to challenge for silverware on both the domestic and continental fronts, squad depth will be vital. However, Ouaddou has made it clear that he values quality and manageability over sheer numbers, believing a leaner squad allows the technical team to provide greater individual attention while maintaining high training standards.
His comments are likely to fuel speculation over a possible player exodus in the coming weeks as Pirates look to align their squad with the coach’s vision ahead of a season in which they will compete in five major competitions.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
