Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come under scrutiny over his decision to leave Oswin Appollis out of the starting lineup for some of the club's biggest matches. Football analyst Mazola Molefe has questioned the coach's approach, expressing confusion over why one of Pirates' most influential players has been spending important games on the bench.

Appollis has become an important figure at the Soweto giants through his consistent performances, creativity and ability to make a difference in crucial moments. Despite his growing influence at the club, the Bafana Bafana international has recently been forced to start certain matches as a substitute, a decision that has surprised Molefe.

Commenting on the situation, Molefe questioned Ouaddou's explanation that he was carefully managing Appollis' playing time to protect him. The analyst believes the winger has repeatedly shown that he deserves a regular place in the starting eleven.

Molefe emphasised that Appollis is not just another squad player but one of the standout performers in the Pirates team. He also highlighted the player's individual achievements, pointing out that he is the reigning Midfielder of the Season, which makes his absence from the starting lineup in important fixtures even more difficult to understand.

The analyst also referred to Appollis' impressive performances for Bafana Bafana during the previous FIFA international break. In his view, the winger's contribution to the national team further demonstrates the quality and value he brings to Orlando Pirates.

One of the major issues raised by Molefe was Ouaddou's decision to leave Appollis on the bench for two high-profile encounters: the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs and the MTN8 final.

Molefe believes those were precisely the types of matches in which Pirates needed their strongest players from the opening whistle. He suggested that if the coach was concerned about Appollis playing too many minutes, his workload could have been managed during less demanding fixtures against weaker opposition.

He also questioned the decision because of the immediate impact Appollis tends to make whenever he comes on as a substitute. According to Molefe, Pirates often become more threatening when the winger enters the game, raising further questions about why he is not regularly trusted to start.

The analyst's remarks have reignited discussions about squad selection and competition for places under Ouaddou. Although having several talented players gives Pirates more options, deciding when and how to use their best performers remains an important responsibility for the coaching staff.

Ouaddou, however, could have legitimate reasons for managing Appollis' playing time, especially considering Pirates' involvement in multiple competitions. Ensuring that key players remain fresh and avoiding unnecessary injuries could be part of his long-term strategy for maintaining the team's competitiveness throughout the season.

Nevertheless, Molefe believes the coach's explanation deserves closer examination, particularly given Appollis' importance to the team and his repeated omission from the starting lineup in major encounters.

Pirates supporters will now be watching closely to see whether Appollis returns to the starting eleven regularly in the club's upcoming fixtures. With his creativity, experience and ability to influence matches, the winger remains an important player as the Buccaneers continue their pursuit of trophies this season.

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