Orlando Pirates’ squad depth leaves several stars on the sidelines

Orlando Pirates’ aggressive recruitment drive and key reinforcements have paid off handsomely, placing the Buccaneers in their strongest position in years to mount a genuine league title-challenge.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now finds himself managing both a blessing and a challenge with a squad packed with quality and the depth the club desperately lacked last season.

However, this progress has also meant that several talented players—who had hoped to play a central role in the Sea Robbers' resurgence—have seen their minutes reduced as competition for places intensifies across the pitch.

Below, we highlight some of the notable players who have seen limited action despite their quality, largely due to the fierce internal competition within the squad.

Bandile Shandu

The 30-year-old right-back has slipped down the pecking order, with Pirates now boasting a sizeable number of options in his position. Shandu has found it difficult to break into both the starting eleven and the matchday squad.

It’s a harsh situation for him, as he has been reliable whenever called upon. et, with Ouaddou having nearly five options at right-back, opportunities for Shandu to make a meaningful impression have been rare despite his consistent performances.

It also hasn’t helped his case that former TS Galaxy midfielder Mike Sebelebele has not only made an impression in the midfield but has also made himself an option in the right back position.

Tshegofatso Mabasa

Mabasa’s reduced involvement has been the most surprising. Of the ten matches Pirates have played so far, the 29-year-old has featured in only five, with Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa recently preferred to lead the line.

The 2023/24 season Golden Boot winner has one league goal in those appearances, but he remains the least likely long-term absentee among this group. Given his clinical record in the last two seasons—despite limited minutes—he has shown he deserves more opportunities than he is currently receiving.

Boitumelo Radiopane

The promising forward was given an early opportunity this season but struggled to cement his place after facing a run of tough fixtures that offered few chances to build momentum. As a result, he has dropped down the attacking order.

Radiopane’s ability should eventually earn him more chances; however, Pirates’ early exit from the CAF Champions League hasn’t helped. With fewer fixtures now on the schedule, the window for fringe players to get consistent game time has narrowed.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba

The former Chippa United midfielder has had a challenging start to life at Pirates. Despite his clear quality, he has had to be patient, with limited minutes coming only in recent matches.

While more opportunities are likely in the future, the timing of his reduced game time has been unfortunate. After earning a few Bafana Bafana caps, he has now missed a chance to fight for an Africa Cup of Nations place. He will be hoping for increased involvement to boost his prospects of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Kabelo Dlamini

A key figure under Jose Riveiro in recent seasons, Dlamini remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders at the club. His recent cameo in the 3–0 CAF Confederation Cup win over Saint-Eloi Lupopo offered flashes of his enduring ability and the value he can still add to this Pirates side moving forward.