Mohau Nkota questions Abdeslam Ouaddou's tactics after Orlando Pirates' loss to Sekhukhune United - 'Most of the time they played the ball at the back'

Former Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota has questioned tactics used by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou during the Premier Soccer League opening loss to Sekhukhune United.

Pirates were stunned as they were outclassed by Babina Noko at Orlando Stadium, handing the home side an early-season setback.

Nkota, who left Pirates in July for Saudi Arabia's Pro League, has poked holes in the tactics deployed by the coach and offered what he thinks is the best solution going forward.

“I think they played well, but I also think most of the time they played the ball at the back,” Nkota told Metro FM.

"I think the coach needs to shuffle, man; he must shuffle the midfield because you have a lot of players in the midfield," he added.

“There is a big game coming [against Mamelodi Sundowns]. For me, there’s a lot of quality on the bench, even up there on the stands, so I’m not a coach, but there’s just too much quality.”

The loss against Sekhukhune shed more light on Ouaddou's starting XIs, with some questioning what has been described as a radical surgery to the team that was there last season.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano Van Rooyen were regular figures in the starting XIs but were dropped by the Moroccan coach. Tshepo Mashiloane has been preferred to Van Rooyen at right back, and Sihle Nduli is Ouaddou's choice at the centre of the midfield, relegating Mbatha.

Mabasa has been overlooked, with Boitumelo Radiopane leading the attacks against Sekhukhune and Polokwane City.

Other new signings that have featured prominently under Ouaddou are Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule.

After failing to carry the MTN8 momentum against Polokwane City to the PSL, Bucs have a chance to redeem themselves when they face Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

A critical game against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final also awaits them, and being the defending champions, they cannot afford to lose the battle.