Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club must continue reducing its squad, despite already releasing 15 players, because 41 players are currently training with the South African side.
The size of the group means Pirates would need at least two training pitches to work efficiently, according to Ouaddou, who believes a squad of between 30 and 35 players is the maximum manageable number, including goalkeepers.
Ouaddou was speaking after Pirates began their defence of the league title with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC on Saturday. The result briefly put the Buccaneers at the top of the Betway Premiership table before rivals Kaizer Chiefs replaced them later in the evening.
Kaizer Chiefs beat Kruger United 3-1 and moved to the summit on goals scored.
Pirates currently have one of the largest squads in the PSL, with all 41 players working under Ouaddou. The coach said the number would become difficult to handle as the club prepares to compete in several competitions during the campaign.
Pirates will feature in the PSL, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup after qualifying for Africa’s leading club competition.
“Look, if we play all the competitions, the PSL, the [CAF] Champions League, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup, 30 players is okay,” Ouaddou told the media.
“For me, 30 players, and you add four goalkeepers; it’s 34. We can have some suspensions and injured players, so if we play all these competitions, I can manage 30 players and more than that, maybe 35; it starts to be difficult because you cannot be efficient with your work.
“One point that is very important is, when you have 30 players to manage, of course you need the staff, and we have the staff to manage these numbers, but you need facilities as well. When I say facilities, I mean, to have at least two [training] pitches,” he concluded.
The coach’s comments indicate that further departures are expected at Orlando Pirates, even after the club allowed no fewer than 15 players to leave before or during the current campaign.
Ouaddou said the club has enough staff to oversee a squad of around 30 players, with the number potentially rising to 34 when four goalkeepers are included. However, he warned that managing more than 35 would make it harder for the coaching team to work effectively.
Pirates’ opening victory came at Orlando Amstel Arena, where goals against Milford FC gave their title defence a winning start. The Buccaneers will now continue their campaign while the club works to bring the size of the playing group closer to the level regarded by Ouaddou as practical.
The club’s involvement in five competitions means the coach expects to need cover for injuries and suspensions, but he also stressed that the squad still has to remain sufficiently small for training and preparation to be effective.
Also read: Orlando Pirates legend off to North Africa
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