The R20m dilemma: Ouaddou explains why Pirates won’t buy a ‘quick fix’

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has thrown his weight behind the club’s controversial recruitment policy, insisting that the Buccaneers will not abandon their youth-first philosophy for “quick-fix” R20 million foreign strikers.

The Moroccan tactician’s comments come at a time when Pirates’ lack of a clinical edge has been under the microscope, especially in contrast to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who recently spent over R50 million on Colombian marksman Brayan León.

While León has already hit the ground running with six goals in seven matches, Ouaddou remains adamant that the “Bucs Way” is about the long game.

Patience Over Price Tags At Pirates

“If you want to go quicker, you spend R10 million or R20 million, and maybe you will have someone efficient from abroad,” Ouaddou told the media ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup clash against Casric Stars. “But the philosophy of our club is to promote young talent… and that is a policy I respect.”

Ouaddou acknowledged that while domestic titles are achievable with this model, international ambitions in the CAF Champions League often require a more “ambitious” approach that can be difficult to sustain with an entirely youthful squad.

The Current Pecking Order

The departure of Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch in January—due to his profile not fitting Ouaddou’s high-pressing system—has left a young trio to lead the line:

Yanela Mbuthuma (23): The current preferred starter with 7 goals in 17 games.

Evidence Makgopa (25): The physical second choice, still finding his rhythm after injury.

Boitumelo Radiopane (24): The fan-favorite still searching for his first goal since returning from a lengthy layoff.

A Test of Resolve

“You have to understand that we have a young team, young strikers,” Ouaddou explained. “When you develop players with potential, you need to be patient. I accepted this challenge when I became the coach here. I knew the policy before I arrived.”

As the Buccaneers prepare for their Nedbank Cup Last 16 tie at the Orlando Amstel Arena, the pressure remains on Mbuthuma and Makgopa to prove that Pirates don’t need a multi-million rand import to find the back of the net.