Ouaddou Reacts To Pirates’ MTN8 Final Loss,…

Abdeslam Ouaddou during the MTN8 Final match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix 

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reflected on his side’s MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, admitting that the Buccaneers started the match shy before highlighting the penalty incident as a possible turning point.

The Buccaneers’ reign as MTN8 champions came to an end on Saturday night when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium, missing out on the opportunity to lift the trophy for a fifth consecutive time.

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Speaking to the media after the match, Ouaddou felt Pirates could have had a different outcome had they managed to convert their penalty and draw level, while also acknowledging the quality displayed by both teams.

“First of all, we started the game, I think, a little bit shy with the lack of maybe aggressiveness the first 10 minutes, and we were caught early on the set-pieces. It’s something, a momentum that we wanted to change because the game that we have played before, we conceded and after we were chasing, so it’s something that we wanted.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But more than that, I think the real momentum of the game was the penalty. I think if we managed to come 1-1, I think really the game could have been with another physiognomy,” Ouaddou said.

The Pirates coach was, however, not overly critical of his players, insisting that there were positives to take from the performance despite the disappointment of losing the final.

Two Of The Best Teams In South Africa

“Overall, I don’t have nothing to reproach to the boys. Really, we played a high-level game, both of teams, with intensity, with some good sequences of high-level football and we have seen two of the best teams in South Africa.

“We are disappointed, of course, not to take this fifth MTN8 Final Cup, especially for us, for the club and for our fans, but there is a lot of education in that game for us because I have seen really some quality players on my side,” he added.

Ouaddou also singled out Thalente Mbatha following his return from injury, while pointing to the contributions of young players Simphiwe Masilela and Simphiwe Selepe as further positives for the Buccaneers.

Turning Attention To The League

With the MTN8 disappointment behind them, Pirates must now quickly regroup as they turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, with a clash against TS Galaxy scheduled for Tuesday.

The Buccaneers remain in the hunt for further silverware this season, with the Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and CAF Champions League also on their agenda, alongside their league title ambitions.

Ouaddou acknowledged the need to move on quickly and assured supporters that the team would be ready for the challenges ahead.

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“So, we are going back to rest and straight away to fit to the next game, but nothing to reproach to the boys. They did, they gave the best for them. So, congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns.

“We can see that it was intense and we are going to bounce back and you can count on us, on Pirates, to be ready for the next games.” 

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