Why Orlando Pirates need to find balance as PSL duties resume

Can Orlando Pirates find their balance as they rejoin the PSL?

The reigning champions are back in Premiership action on 17 September when they host Durban City at the Orlando Stadium.

This fixture on Thursday is just one piece of a larger riddle coach Abdesalam Ouaddou needs to solve this season.

Orlando Pirates battling ambitions on three fronts

The Buccaneers face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on 10 October, aiming for a fifth consecutive trophy.

Pirates are also alive in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League.

Having seen off minnows La Cure Waves, the PSL champions will face Namibia’s African Stars in the next round.

On the PSL front, Pirates are currently unbeaten in second and have games in hand on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The team may already be nursing ambitions of a treble-winning campaign.

However, the question is whether Ouaddou can rotate his squad well enough to ensure success on multiple fronts.

Ouaddou and why squad balance is crucial

The form Orlando Pirates are carrying is set to be tested by a congested calendar.

Between the Durban City clash, and the MTN8 final and the second preliminary round of the CAF CL in October, the Buccaneers are already under pressure.

Ouaddou has little time to build a consistent starting XI and player fatigue will be a genuine threat.

The coach has already relied on his bench, with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Yanela Mbuthuma both rested against Sekhukhune United in August.

He also fielded a rotated side in the first leg against La Cure Waves, which failed to pay off.

As cited by Soccer Laduma, Ouaddou mentioned having few opportunities available to rest players this season.

However, not everyone agrees his approach will be effective.

Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea cautioned previously that frequent changes to the starting XI could backfire, according to Briefly News.

Meanwhile, the club has continued its transfer moves, with the likes of Neo Rapoo, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, and Sebastian Pedersen offering depth.

What’s next for the Buccaneers?

17 September (PSL)

Orlando Pirates vs Durban City – Orlando Stadium (19:30)

20 September (PSL)

Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates – Thohoyandou Stadium (15:00)

10 October (MTN8 final)

Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Orlando Stadium (15:00)

17 October (CAF CL – second preliminary round, first leg)

African Stars vs Orlando Pirates – Venue TBA (17:00)

18 October (PSL)

Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy – Orlando Stadium (18:00)

Fixture details correct according to FlashScore

CAN OUADDOU KEEP HIS SQUAD FRESH TO CHALLENGE FOR A TREBLE THIS SEASON?