Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the ongoing debate regarding his goalkeeper strategy amid his team’s broader rotation policy. While many players have seen regular changes in the starting lineup, Ouaddou has maintained Sipho Chaine as his undisputed number one goalkeeper for all competitions this season.
Chaine, who has become a mainstay in the Pirates’ lineup, has featured in 19 matches, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding just eight goals. Ouaddou defended his decision to keep Chaine in the starting role, citing the unique nature of the goalkeeper position and the importance of stability and confidence in that area.
“It’s a department that is very important for me; it’s not easy to change because when you have strength like that and clean sheets, it’s very sensitive to change,” Ouaddou explained. The coach emphasized that goalkeepers have a different mentality from outfield players and require consistent communication and trust to maintain their confidence.
While Ouaddou continues to rotate players in other positions, he is clear that the goalkeeping role demands more consistency due to its significance in the team’s overall performance. He praised Chaine for his professionalism, noting that the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper’s focus and work ethic have made him the team’s pillar at the back.
Ouaddou also highlighted the broader benefits of his rotation policy, which allows him to manage a busy schedule across multiple competitions. “You have to trust them; you have to show them you trust them – you have to give them chances,” he said, emphasizing that a successful team relies not only on the starting XI but on a well-balanced squad. This approach has opened opportunities for players like Cemran Dansin, who recently scored a stunning equalizer against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Pirates’ coach remains confident in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level, balancing the need for rotation with the importance of trust and stability. With Chaine continuing to deliver exceptional performances, Ouaddou’s philosophy appears to be working in the team’s favor as they push for further success in domestic and continental competitions.
