ORLANDO Pirates midfielders Andre de Jongh and Sipho Mbule, whom coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has said he is counting on his experience to win the league.
Image: Backpagepix
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed one of their best domestic seasons. They are double cup champions after winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, and they could still be crowned Betway Premiership champions.
The mastermind behind their impressive run has been none other than coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with the Moroccan showing his tactical prowess to get the best out of his group and individuals.
Be that as it may, there are players who have done little to live up to expectations and influence the team’s results. Below, we look at them.
Sipho Mbule – Midfielder
Regarded as one of the most skilful players in the league – if not the most – Mbule was expected to make his mark at Pirates from the onset. He looked the part at first, but quickly fell by the wayside due to injuries and allegations of ill-discipline.
His fall down the pecking order hasn’t only disappointed those affiliated with the club, but the nation as well. He had returned to Bafana Bafana, with coach Hugo Broos impressed by his contribution en route to qualifying for the World Cup.
Mbule has only four games left to finish the season, but that will likely not be enough to earn him a place at the global showpiece. He needs to be consistent next season: dribble constructively, build synergy with his teammates and improve his goal contribution.
Deano van Rooyen – Right-back
When van Rooyen moved to Pirates from Stellenbosch a few seasons ago, he realised a childhood dream. His adaptation was smooth last season as he found his feet at the club instantly.
Enter Ouaddou – the Moroccan arrived when van Rooyen was injured. As such, he needed to find a suitable right-back between Tshepo Mashiloane and Thabiso Lebitso. The duo didn’t yield results, resulting in Ouaddou dropping them both and converting Kamogelo Sebelebele into a wing-back.
Sebelebele has been impressive this season, scoring crucial goals, including one in the Soweto derby recently. Van Rooyen cannot afford to lose focus. He must step up and remember why he came to Johannesburg, leaving Stellenbosch.
Boitumelo Radiopane – Striker
Radiopane was the team’s No. 9 at the start of the season. Given that he spent time on loan, including a spell with Cape Town Spurs, he was expected to shine and prove the experience he had gained.
But that hasn’t been the case – he has been in and out of the team, spending more time in the stands than on the pitch.
Despite being stocky, Radiopane still has pace and aggression. If he shows those qualities in training, Ouaddou could give him game time in the run-in, as the team needs goals.