Orlando Pirates’ Giant Squad: Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Faces the Ultimate Team Management Challenge
The Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most storied and ambitious football clubs, have embarked on the new season with a squad size that has sent shockwaves through the Premier Soccer League.
With 38 players currently training with the first team, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is navigating uncharted territory in professional football management.
His challenge? Keeping every player motivated, involved, and ready for action as the Buccaneers chase silverware on multiple fronts.
The Largest Squad in the League
Squad depth is often cited as a key ingredient for success in modern football, particularly for clubs competing in several competitions simultaneously.
Yet, the Pirates’ current roster pushes the boundaries of what is typical in top-flight football.
While most elite teams operate with squads of 25 to 28 players, Ouaddou finds himself responsible for 38 first-team professionals—a number more commonly associated with preseason training, not the regular campaign.
This unprecedented squad size is the result of ambitious recruitment, including the arrival of high-profile signings like Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule, and a deliberate focus on building resilience across the team.
The club’s management has made it clear: they want depth, options, and competition for places as they target trophies in the league, domestic cups, and continental competitions.
Coach Ouaddou’s Perspective: Adaptation and Inclusion
Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took charge of the Sea Robbers in June, is no stranger to the pressures of top-level football.
A former international defender and seasoned coach, Ouaddou has managed squads across Africa and Europe.
However, even he admits that the sheer size of the Pirates’ roster is a unique challenge.
“The number of players we have, it’s a challenge all the time,” Ouaddou told FARPost.
“In my previous clubs, where I was a coach, I usually had between 25 to 28 players.
In terms of the management of the squad, it’s very important to keep everyone involved for the targets of the club.
The challenge is when you have maybe 40 players, it’s not the case here, but in some previous clubs where I worked with 40 players, it became difficult.”
Ouaddou’s comments reveal a philosophy grounded in education, inclusion, and professionalism.
He sees himself as an educator first, a coach second—a leader responsible for nurturing every player, not just the stars or the starting eleven.
“As long as I have 35 players, I cannot leave out 10 players on the side at training,” he explained.
“In terms of sport values and as a human being, I have to include them.
I have to think a little more about my sessions on how I can include all the players.
So it’s not up to me to have a big squad.
As long as we have many players, I have to train them; it’s my job, and I’m paid for that.”
The Logistics of Managing a Massive Squad
The day-to-day logistics of handling 38 first-team players are daunting.
Training sessions must be meticulously planned to ensure every player receives attention, development, and tactical instruction.
Rotations in drills, small-sided games, and match simulations become more complex, requiring additional coaching staff and resources.
Ouaddou has had to rethink his approach to daily sessions, balancing the need for tactical preparation with the imperative of squad harmony.
No player can afford to feel sidelined or neglected—especially in a squad where competition for places is fierce.
The Pirates’ technical team faces the task of monitoring fitness, form, and morale across a large group, ensuring that every player remains match-ready and mentally sharp.
Individualized programs, personalized feedback, and regular communication are essential to keep the squad united and focused.
The Human Element: Motivation and Morale
Footballers at the professional level are driven by ambition, pride, and the desire to play.
Yet, in a squad of 38, not everyone can feature regularly in the matchday squad.
Managing expectations, preventing frustration, and maintaining motivation are among Ouaddou’s greatest challenges.
The coach’s commitment to inclusion is more than a managerial tactic—it is a statement of values.
By involving every player in training, Ouaddou fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
He understands that sidelined players can become disengaged, affecting not only their own performance but also the overall atmosphere within the camp.
The Pirates’ approach is proactive: regular team meetings, open lines of communication, and a culture that celebrates collective achievement rather than individual glory.
Players are encouraged to support each other, compete fairly, and embrace their roles—whether as starters, substitutes, or reserves.
Tactical Flexibility and Competition for Places
A squad of this size offers tactical advantages as well.
Ouaddou has the luxury of rotating his lineup, experimenting with different formations, and adapting to the demands of various competitions.
Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion can be managed more effectively when there is depth in every position.
Competition for places is intense, driving standards higher throughout the squad.
Young players are given opportunities to impress, while established stars must maintain top form to retain their spots.
This internal pressure can be a powerful motivator, pushing the team to new heights.
However, the risk of disunity and cliques is real.
Ouaddou’s role as a leader is to ensure that competition remains healthy and that the squad functions as a single, cohesive unit.
The Recruitment Strategy: Building for Success
The Pirates’ decision to assemble such a large squad is rooted in strategic ambition.
The club is targeting success on multiple fronts, including the Premier Soccer League, the MTN8, the Nedbank Cup, and continental tournaments.
New signings like Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule have added quality and versatility, while the retention of experienced campaigners ensures stability.
The technical team has prioritized players who can adapt to different roles, contribute in various systems, and handle the pressures of high-stakes football.
Depth is also a hedge against the unpredictable nature of the season—injuries, fatigue, and national team call-ups can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
With 38 players, the Pirates are prepared for every eventuality.
Challenges and Risks: The Downsides of a Big Squad
While the benefits of squad depth are clear, the risks cannot be ignored.
Large squads can lead to dissatisfaction among players who rarely feature, increased wage bills, and logistical headaches for coaching staff.
Ouaddou acknowledges these challenges, emphasizing the need for careful management and clear communication.
He is aware that not every player will be happy with limited playing time, but he insists that professionalism and respect are non-negotiable.
The club must also guard against complacency and ensure that every player remains committed to the team’s objectives.
Disgruntled players can disrupt harmony, while excessive rotation may hinder tactical consistency.
Lessons from Global Football
The Pirates’ situation is not unique in the global context.
Clubs in Europe’s top leagues have grappled with similar issues, especially those competing in multiple competitions.
Successful managers have relied on strong leadership, transparent decision-making, and a clear vision to keep large squads united.
For Ouaddou, the lessons are clear: prioritize inclusion, foster competition, and maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism.
His experience in working with squads of varying sizes has prepared him for the complexities of his current role.
The Role of Club Leadership
Behind the scenes, the Pirates’ management plays a crucial role in supporting Ouaddou.
Board members, technical directors, and administrative staff must align with the coach’s vision, providing resources and backing for his approach.
Contract negotiations, player welfare programs, and off-field activities are all part of the broader effort to keep the squad engaged and motivated.
The club’s leadership recognizes that success depends not only on talent but also on unity and shared purpose.
Fan Expectations and Media Scrutiny
The Pirates’ massive squad has not gone unnoticed by fans and the media.
Supporters are eager to see how Ouaddou will deploy his resources, which players will emerge as stars, and whether the team can deliver on its promises.
Media coverage has focused on the challenges of squad management, the impact of new signings, and the potential for rotation to affect results.
Ouaddou’s comments have been widely discussed, with pundits offering their own perspectives on how best to handle such a large group.
The pressure to win is intense, and every decision is scrutinized.
For Ouaddou and his players, the spotlight is both a motivator and a source of stress.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Silverware
As the season unfolds, the Pirates’ ability to manage their giant squad will be tested in every match.
Success will depend on Ouaddou’s skill as a coach, the commitment of his players, and the support of the club’s leadership.
The team’s ambitions are clear: challenge for the league title, compete in cup competitions, and make a mark on the continental stage.
With depth, talent, and a culture of inclusion, the Pirates are well-positioned to achieve their goals.
Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
Fixture congestion, injuries, and the unpredictable nature of football will test the squad’s resilience and unity.
Ouaddou’s leadership will be critical in navigating the highs and lows of the campaign.
Conclusion: A New Era for Orlando Pirates
The Orlando Pirates’ decision to operate with a 38-man first-team squad represents a bold experiment in South African football.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faces the ultimate test of his managerial skills, balancing the demands of competition, inclusion, and professionalism.
His commitment to involving every player, fostering unity, and adapting to the realities of a giant squad sets a new standard for team management.
As the Buccaneers pursue silverware on multiple fronts, the eyes of the football world will be watching.
Will the Pirates’ depth and ambition translate into trophies?
Can Ouaddou keep his squad motivated, harmonious, and focused?
The answers will unfold over the course of a thrilling and unpredictable season.
What is certain is that the Orlando Pirates are writing a new chapter in their storied history—one defined by ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
For Ouaddou, his players, and the club’s passionate supporters, the journey promises to be as challenging as it is rewarding.
