Pirates star challenged to step up in battle for regular minutes
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Orlando Pirates players Andre de Jong, Mpho Chabatsane and Yanela Mbuthuma. (Photo: Gallo Images)
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Pirates star challenged to step up in battle for regular minutes
Sep 25, 2026 – 09:25 am
By Clifton Mabasa
Orlando Pirates defender Mpho Chabatsane has been offered a word of advice by his former coach as he continues to fight for regular game time at the Soweto giants.
The 24-year-old centre-back joined Pirates alongside Daniel Msendami from Marumo Gallants in January 2026, with the Buccaneers looking to strengthen their squad.
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However, both players have found game time hard to come by under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who previously worked with them at Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
Msendami has since been loaned back to Gallants for the 2026/27 campaign, while Chabatsane remains at Pirates and continues to fight for his place in the team.
Chabatsane’s former coach at Gallants, Alexandre Lafitte, has now offered some advice on what the defender needs to do to establish himself at Pirates.
“Chabatsane is a very good player with a lot of potential. Excellent left foot, good speed, very good intelligence on the ball,” Lafitte said, speaking in the September edition of KICKOFF Magazine.
“Pirates play in many competitions, so I think he will get opportunities because he has the level for that club.
“He needs to keep learning and improve certain details, particularly consistency and concentration.
“At a club like Pirates, you have to perform every time, and as a defender you cannot afford too many mistakes.
“With time and the right mentality, he can become an important player and maybe one day represent the national team.”
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Chabatsane faces strong competition for a place in the Pirates defence, with the likes of Sbangani Zulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema also battling for opportunities.
With Pirates competing on multiple fronts this season, Chabatsane will be hoping to make the most of any chances that come his way as he looks to establish himself under Ouaddou.