Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stated that it is the club’s duty to provide players for the South African national team.
The Buccaneers had eight players from the club in the most recent Bafana Bafana squad that secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Pirates players Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa scoring all three goals in Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 win over Rwanda on 14 October.
With the club constantly challenging for the league and achieving consistent success in domestic cup competitions, Ouaddou believes it is only right that his players lend their talents to the national team.
“I think as Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in Africa and one of the biggest clubs in the country, we have the duty to be close to the national team,” said Ouaddou, following his side’s 1-0 win over Polokwane City at Orlando stadium on Wednesday.
“It’s important because we are doing the same job. Of course we are working for the club but the club is working for the nation as well, for the country. Of course you are proud when you have such players that are performing for the national team,” he said.
“I always say to my players before leaving to the national team, we won the game and the next day they are going to the national team, I say, ‘Guys, you did well for your club. Very good. But now your nation is calling you. I am expecting you to give the same performance for your country.’ And they did well. It was not easy against Zimbabwe because we were expecting another result. But after against Rwanda, our players from Orlando Pirates, we are proud of them. They did their best,” he said.
The former Moroccan international stated that the club works closely with Bafana Bafana and that he has spoken with the national team’s head coach Hugo Broos.
“So we are working closely. I had the opportunity to speak with the coach of the national team. He is a fantastic guy. He loves the country. I am at his disposal when he needs to talk about the players and to give him the feedback. The club is open as well with the medical department. We are at the disposal of the national team.”
With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, there is no doubt that Pirates players will be called upon to help the country in its return to the global stage.
