The answer to the path ahead for Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa has been provided in the aftermath of their non-involvement in the MTN8 quarterfinal victory over Polokwane City on Saturday.
Minus Makgopa and Mabasa – who have shared the number nine role, Ouaddou had Boitumelo Radiopane starting upfront before he was replaced by Yanela Mbuthuma.
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Both Makgopa and Mabasa were not even on the bench.
"Makgopa and Mabasa are very important players for me," states Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Pirates coach.
"I know them from before.
"You have to understand that this season we have a big squad.
"It will be important to play with freshness because Orlando Pirates will play in many competitions.
"So, like I said we win games with starting XI, but we win competitions with a group.
"So, everyone’s contribution will be important this season,” says Ouaddou while indicating how he will maintain happiness in his squad.
"First of all, I want to say give love to everybody, bring the human being on the table.
“It is important to put trust on the table and not the playing role as a coach.
"I think the dynamics and the size of the club, the number of competitions that the club will play and the love that the coach is giving can help to keep everybody happy," he adds.
Makgopa has been at Pirates since July 2022 after joining from Baroka and while not a prolific scorer with 16 goals in 71 appearances his work rate keeps him relevant.
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Mabasa is into his seventh season under contract at Pirates and has come within touching distance of the club’s all-time scoring record.
He has scored 46 at Pirates and is chasing Tso Vilakazi’s mark of 52.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
