Ouaddou explains why Appollis started on bench in MTN8 final defeat

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed that Oswin Appollis was deliberately held back as an impact substitute in their 2-0 MTN8 final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates’ four-year reign in the competition ended at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, with Teboho Mokoena putting Sundowns ahead before Iqraam Rayners secured victory from the penalty spot.

Although Pirates went into the final with a youthful, new-look squad and were regarded as underdogs on paper, there had been an expectation that Ouaddou would select his most experienced players from the start.

Instead, Appollis – the PSL Midfielder of the Season and a Bafana Bafana international – began on the bench. He was introduced at half-time after Kamogelo Sebelebele was forced off injured, but struggled to influence the match as Sundowns controlled proceedings.

Sundowns further strengthened their grip on midfield with the introduction of Thabo Cele, making it difficult for Appollis to help Pirates recover from the deficit.

“He’s one of the best players in the country, and our team as well,” Ouaddou said of Appollis. “But when you are playing a cup final, you have a strategy. You can play in different phases. You have to think and anticipate what can happen in the second half.”

Ouaddou said his decision was influenced by last season’s final, when Appollis and Tshepang Moremi came off the bench and helped Pirates beat Stellenbosch in extra time at Mbombela Stadium.

“We planned to bring him on quickly in the second half. We did it last year (and it worked). You know how I work: I have a starting lineup, and impact players, and today, he was part of the impact players,” Ouaddou added.

The Pirates manager had hoped Appollis would again change the match after his side fell behind.

“He is somebody who can change the match, especially because we conceded first and were chasing the match. Oswin is a fantastic, and important player for us. But today, we decided that he must have an impact, so that he can change the match.”

Pirates must now put the defeat behind them as they prepare to defend the rest of their silverware. Their next opportunity comes in the Carling Knockout Cup, which begins on Wednesday.