Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made it clear that his side’s impressive squad depth will be one of their biggest strengths this season, but it won’t come at the expense of hard work and merit.
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Following the Buccaneers’ 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final, the Moroccan tactician addressed the media about his approach to squad rotation and selection.
“We have to give a chance to people who deserve it,” Ouaddou said.
“I don’t just give a chance because I want to make them pleased. If I give you a chance, it’s because you show me in training and I have seen that you can bring something to the team.”
A number of new faces featured in the match, including debutant Abdoulaye Mariko, as Ouaddou continues to assess his options early in the season. But the former Morocco international insists every player in the squad is there on merit.
“All the guys that you have seen coming on, it’s because they showed me something in pre-season,” he added.
Ouaddou, who succeeded José Riveiro at the helm, is determined to implement a collective philosophy that rewards consistency and attitude, both in matches and behind the scenes.
“To win a game, you need 11 players. To win titles, to win competitions, you need a group. It’s the philosophy that we want to implement this season.”
He also confirmed that some squad members who weren’t part of the MTN8 matchday squad were still involved behind the scenes.
“They had a game this morning,” he revealed. “Everybody will be important. Like I told you, I never call my players substitutes. I try to avoid that word from my mouth. They are all impact players.”
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