Orlando Pirates can learn from MTN8 defeat by Sundowns – Abdeslam Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side can take valuable lessons from their 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Pirates missed the opportunity to claim a fifth successive MTN8 title after goals from Teboho Mokoena and a second-half strike sealed victory for Sundowns.

Despite the disappointment, Ouaddou praised his players for their performance, insisting the defeat offered important lessons as the Buccaneers prepare for the challenges ahead.

The coach admitted Pirates were slow to settle into the contest and were punished when Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute from a set-piece situation.

“We started the game, I think, a little bit shy with our aggression, and we got caught early, on a set piece,” Ouaddou said.

He explained that Pirates had hoped to take control early and avoid falling behind, having struggled with similar situations in previous matches.

However, he identified Gamphani Lungu’s missed penalty as the decisive moment of the final.

The Zambian winger had the opportunity to restore parity in the second half, but his effort was saved by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with about 28 minutes remaining.

“I think if we managed to score that one, the game would have turned out differently,” Ouaddou said.

Pirates pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their attacking approach left spaces for Sundowns to exploit.

Ouaddou acknowledged that while his side created opportunities, they also risked conceding more goals as they chased the game.

Nevertheless, he was satisfied with the overall quality and intensity of the contest, praising both teams for their contribution to an entertaining final.

“I don’t have anything to criticise the boys. Really, we played a high-level game, both teams with intensity, with some good sequences of high-level football, and we have seen two of the best teams in South Africa,” he added.

The Pirates coach admitted the result was disappointing, particularly given the club’s ambition to extend its dominance in the competition, but highlighted several positives from the performance.

He also welcomed the return of midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who featured after recovering from injury, describing him as an important addition to the squad.

“There was a lot of education in that game for us, because I have quality players in my side. I’m very happy about the game of Mbatha after he was injured. He came back, so it’s somebody that can bring more to our team,” Ouaddou said.

Pirates will now turn their attention to the remaining competitions on their calendar, including the Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and CAF Champions League.

However, the coach stressed that defending their league title remains the club’s biggest priority.

“The boys gave their best. Congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns. I think the fans watched a good football match with intensity, of course, with the rivalry as well,” he said.

“We are going to, for sure, bounce back and be ready for the next challenge.”