Orlando Pirates must learn from MTN8 defeat, says coach Ouaddou

Mamelodi Sundowns used their extensive Champions League experience to beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 in an eventful MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his predominantly young squad would learn from the defeat as they prepare to return to the Champions League group stages next week.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso relied on a group of experienced campaigners, including Ronwen Williams, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Marcello Allende, Teboho Mokoena, Nuno Santos and Tashreeq Mathews, who played important roles in the victory.

Pirates were competitive for much of the match but failed to make the most of crucial opportunities. That inability to punish Sundowns was an issue Ouaddou had highlighted in the build-up to the final.

“This kind of game is at the Champions League level, and we are one of the youngest teams in the league. My players have opportunities to play high-level games and grow,” the Moroccan coach said.

Pirates were also denied the chance to win a fifth consecutive MTN8 title. Ouaddou said the experience would be particularly valuable for younger players such as Simphiwe Masilela, Simphiwe Selepe and Kabelo Kgositsile.

“When you take a player such as Simphiwe Masilela, Simphiwe Selepe and Kabelo Kgositsile, it is important for them to grow,” he said.

Ouaddou expressed concern about the physical nature of the contest, while stressing that Pirates needed to become stronger in challenging for the ball without putting opponents at risk of injury.

“We just have to answer to the physical games; it can happen in the Champions League. We have a young team, and they have to get to these types of games,” he said.

“When I say they have to answer to these kinds of games, I am talking about the rules of football. Not to injure or break the legs of the players. If I have to teach something to my players, it will be concentration and commitment and to play the physical way on the ball.”

Ouaddou, a defender for 17 years, said physical football should never cross the line into dangerous play.

“Not to injure players because it is not my philosophy. I was a defender for 17 years, and I only got one red card, and it was for protestation and not to ‘kill’ somebody. You must be careful of the way some teams are playing.

“You can break the career of the player; you can ‘kill’ a family because our players are working for their families. We have to be tough on the ball but respect the rules.”

The coach also explained why Oswin Appollis, whom he described as one of the best players in the country and at Pirates, began the final on the bench.

“We planned to bring him up early in the second half because you know I work with impact players. He was part of our impact players, someone who could change the game,” Ouaddou said.

However, Sundowns’ early goal forced Pirates to alter their approach.

“But the fact that we conceded early changed our plan because we were chasing the game. Oswin is a fantastic player, and he is important for us and Bafana Bafana,” he added.