Orlando Pirates are facing a significant change at right-back following the departures of several players who were part of José Riveiro’s squad during his time in charge.
The Buccaneers have seen Thabiso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, Siyabonga Ndlozi and Deano Van Rooyen all leave the club, leaving a notable gap in the right-back department. The departures have raised questions among supporters about how the position will be managed under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Each of the players brought different qualities to the squad, and their exits mean Pirates must now carefully assess their options in that position. With a demanding domestic campaign ahead, having sufficient depth across the defence will be crucial.
The situation also represents one of the clearest signs of transition at Orlando Pirates. The club is moving into a new era under Ouaddou, and changes to the squad are expected as the new coach looks to establish his own tactical identity and preferred personnel.
The right-back position could therefore become an important area of focus during the current squad-building process. Whether Pirates decide to promote from within, rely on an existing player who can operate in the position or enter the transfer market remains a key question.
Supporters will be watching closely to see how Ouaddou addresses the situation. Losing four players capable of operating at right-back in a relatively short period naturally creates concerns about squad depth, particularly with the season expected to demand consistency across multiple competitions.
For the new coach, the challenge is now to find the right solution and ensure the departures do not weaken the team’s defensive balance.
The Buccaneers are entering a new chapter, and the changes at right-back are certainly one of the biggest talking points surrounding the club.
The question now is simple: what is Abdeslam Ouaddou’s plan for the right-back position?
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