Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou defends Oswin Appollis decision

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended his decision to use Oswin Appollis from the bench, saying the midfielder is being protected for the club’s most important matches.

Appollis was again introduced as a substitute as Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena to reach the Carling Knockout final.

Mpho Padime scored the only goal in the first half, securing victory for the Buccaneers and prompting questions over why Appollis was not included in the starting line-up.

The 23-year-old has made several recent appearances as a substitute, while also being called up for national team duty.

Ouaddou said his selection choices were part of managing a squad of 40 players and ensuring that members of the group remained motivated.

“Look, it was an opportunity to give Padime and Luthuli a chance, and people have to understand that we are managing a group of 40 players,” Ouaddou told SuperSport after the match.

“To keep everyone motivated, you need to introduce some players. Rapoo had not played, so we gave him an opportunity, and the same applied to Mmolai.”

The Orlando Pirates manager then referred to Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique’s decision to manage the workload of Achraf Hakimi.

PSG have given Hakimi a period of rest this week before he joins the Morocco squad. The club have previously taken a similar approach with Ousmane Dembele.

“I have already explained the situation with Appollis,” Ouaddou said. “At Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique has said Hakimi will play in January. Why? Because they have seen from the numbers that this player risks injury, and they do not want to lose him.

“It is the same for us. There is nothing behind the decision regarding Appollis. People must stop creating politics.

“Appollis is one of our best players and we want to protect him for the most important games.”

The victory over Sekhukhune secured Pirates’ place in the Carling Knockout final, with Padime’s first-half strike proving enough to settle the contest.

Ouaddou’s explanation came after a match during which Appollis again began on the bench, continuing the recent pattern of the midfielder being managed through substitute appearances.