Kabelo Kgositsile was a surprise pick for Orlando Pirates in the early part of the season, but he has proven his worth, writes Mazola Molefe.
When Kabelo Kgositsile made the Orlando Pirates matchday squad for their Betway Premiership opener against Milford FC, many wondered what he had done to force his way into the plans after missing the club’s pre-season trip to Spain.
The Buccaneers had returned from Marbella, where coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had integrated several new faces into his squad ahead of a demanding 2026/27 campaign.
For some reason, Kgositsile had not made the cut, despite his return being all but guaranteed after Baroka FC were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the amateur ranks.
Pirates had sent the 21-year-old to the Limpopo-based outfit last season in search of regular game time in a league renowned for its physical demands.
Perhaps the Soweto giants were still contemplating another loan move to allow the speedy winger to continue his development – until Ouaddou saw him in action.
Just like that, Kgositsile was back in the plans as the reigning champions prepared to begin their title defence at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
When asked about his new signings, Ouaddou explained that he prefers to gradually introduce new players without placing unnecessary pressure on them.
The Moroccan-born coach also praised Pirates’ scouting department for the work done to identify players capable of helping the club compete on all fronts – from defending the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout titles to challenging for the Nedbank Cup and progressing beyond the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
“I’m not going to speak about all of them but, generally, I think these players, what I have noticed, and I think it’s where the club is very good, is when they scout the players,” Ouaddou explained.
“The type of players they bring in terms of human values – the values are very important. Because if you want to work with some players, the strong foundation that they must have is values, and they have good values.” At his age, Kgosietsile still needs to be eased into the Pirates environment.
The fact that Ouaddou brought him into the squad despite him not being part of the pre-season tour speaks volumes about what the coach saw in him, particularly with the number of options available.
Captain and defender Nkosinathi Sibisi is also convinced the reigning champions have a special talent on their books.
“Look, he is an exciting talent, but not him alone,” the Bafana Bafana international said of Kgositsile.
“I think we have a couple of them. But with him, I think it was a much-needed debut, playing at home and coming off the bench against Milford. It’s just going to boost his confidence, and what better way to make your Pirates debut than with a win at home? I think he’s an exciting winger and the fans love him.” Sibisi believes Pirates have a huge prospect on their hands.
“Once he gets more comfortable, I think you will see he is full of potential, and I think the fans, even the team, will be mesmerised by his talent,” concluded the skipper.
