Ouaddou urges Pirates to curb aggression after MTN8 final defeat

Orlando Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned his players that excessive aggression could cause serious harm after their 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

The match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night was marked by several heated incidents, with Pirates players twice risking further punishment for challenges and confrontations.

Teboho Mokoena put Mamelodi Sundowns ahead in the first half, while Iqraam Rayners secured victory for the Tshwane club by converting a penalty in stoppage time. Pirates had the chance to equalise earlier, but Ghampani Lungu missed from the spot in the 62nd minute.

The tension was evident inside the opening five minutes, when Pirates defender Lebone Seema came close to exchanging blows with Mamelodi Sundowns striker Brayan Leon. Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine intervened and managed to calm Seema down.

Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma also lost his discipline in the second half when he hacked down Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Tashreeq Matthews while he was on the ground. The challenge left Mbuthuma in danger of receiving a straight red card.

Ouaddou, who played as a defender, said he did not want his team to confuse physical commitment with dangerous conduct.

“I was a defender, and I only got one red card in 17 years, and it was for protesting … it was not for killing somebody,” he said.

“We must be careful of how other teams play because you can end the career of another player and kill his family because we must not forget that these players are also working for their families.

“I don’t want to teach my players to play rough … of course you have to be tough on the ball, but as I have always said, football is a peaceful war.”

The result prevented Pirates from winning the MTN8 for a fifth consecutive time. Despite the disappointment, Ouaddou believes his side can recover quickly as they turn their attention to Tuesday’s home league match against TS Galaxy.

Pirates still have a number of competitions in which to compete, including the Nedbank Cup, Carling Cup and Champions League. Their main priority, according to Ouaddou, will be defending their league title.

“We will keep on working hard,” the Pirates manager said. “We have a lot of games in other cups like the Nedbank Cup, Carling Cup, and Champions League, and most importantly, to defend our league title.

“We are going to bounce back, for sure. You can count on Pirates to be ready for the next game.”