Orlando Pirates could make a number of changes in the next two to three months, with Abdeslam Ouaddou’s future in the air.
With several players expected to leave the club, it would be interesting to see how the club will shape up next season.
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sergio Dos Santos has praised Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, saying it is unusual for a coach to change a team so much in his debut season.
The 47-year-old Moroccan has won a treble in his first season. Upon winning the league, Ouaddou was unsure of his future with the Buccaneers, saying he will need time to think about next season.
Speaking to KickOff, Dos Santos said Pirates looked like a complete team under Ouaddou.
“What you see now at Orlando Pirates is something very similar to what is happening at Mamelodi Sundowns.
“The team plays as a team now,” Dos Santos added.
“When you see them play now, it’s a complete team that plays a beautiful brand of football, and they are well organised, even ball players like Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng are very, very busy when they don’t have the ball.
“They come back and help the defence. So, this coach he’s done very, very well,” he added.
Dos Santos also praised Ouaddou for having faith in Pirates youngsters.
“He has changed the mentality of the youngsters. They have matured in the way they play now,” he told KickOff.
Ouaddou on the move, Pirates to suffer?
In terms of players, Bandile Shandu is set for an exit. With no new offer in place, the long-serving defender could very well be one of the first departures at the end of June.
Another right-back likely to leave Pirates is Tshepo Mashiloane. He was loaned to Sekhukhune United but did not impress much.