Mahlangu: Pirates’ team selection handed MTN8 trophy to Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Sello ‘Page’ Mahlangu says Orlando Pirates effectively surrendered the MTN8 trophy by leaving key player Oswin Appollis out of their starting line-up for Saturday’s final.

Sundowns defeated Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners scoring the goals. However, much of the post-match discussion focused on Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to begin the game with Appollis on the bench.

Appollis, the reigning PSL Midfielder of the Season, was introduced at half-time after Kamogelo Sebelebele suffered an injury. His absence from the starting XI was criticised because Pirates struggled to take advantage of the space between Sundowns’ defence and midfield, with their attacking play lacking creativity.

Mahlangu told KickOff that Pirates’ selection decisions had contributed directly to their defeat.

“If you underperform in a cup final, you are automatically giving your opponent a chance to lift a trophy. Pirates gave away the cup to Sundowns. In my opinion, they did not perform. If you don’t perform, your opponent will score a goal. Sundowns’ quality intimidated Pirates’ young boys. When you put your strong team on the bench, then you will suffer these consequences,” Mahlangu said.

The former midfielder singled out Appollis’ omission, questioning why Pirates had not started a player he regarded as the team’s most experienced and influential figure.

“Why did they not start Appollis, who is more experienced and stronger than any other player in that Pirates team? If those were the coach’s tactics, then those tactics are not correct. According to me, you are underperforming. Pirates could have made history as the club that dominates the Top Eight competition, but now the cup is gone,” he added.

Pirates had the opportunity to strengthen their record in the competition, but instead Sundowns claimed the trophy after a decisive performance in Durban.

Ouaddou later explained that leaving out the Bafana Bafana international was part of a planned approach rather than a reflection of Appollis’ importance to the side.

“Yeah, he’s one of the best players in the country, and in our team as well. But, you know, when you’re playing a game, you have a strategy. We planned to bring him quickly maybe after the second half,” the coach said.

The decision ultimately changed sooner than intended when Sebelebele’s injury forced Appollis into action at the start of the second half, with Pirates already needing to recover from the first-half deficit.