Ouaddou praises Orlando Pirates’ discipline after MTN8 semi-final win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his side’s discipline and organisation after their 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United in Polokwane.

Pirates secured the advantage at a sold-out, blazing-hot Old Peter Mokaba Stadium through a goal from Player of the Match Deon Hotto, who was among the players given a rare starting opportunity alongside several newcomers.

Despite making changes to his regular starting line-up, Ouaddou’s team controlled the contest from the opening stages. Pirates were patient in possession, built their attacks carefully and adapted their tempo to both the match and the warm spring conditions.

Ouaddou said that approach had been important because Pirates needed to manage their energy levels while still finding a way to win, preserve their clean sheet and claim an away goal before the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, the Pirates coach was pleased with the response of his players, although he acknowledged that they had occasionally given Sekhukhune opportunities by surrendering possession cheaply.

“Credit has to be given to our boys. They responded very well in terms of discipline and organisation,” Ouaddou said. “Sometimes, we lost the ball cheaply and gave them an opportunity to finish us, but I am very happy with the team spirit of the boys.

“We came here to win and get the victory. But we still have the second half to play. We’ll rest the players and play the second leg in a week’s time. We’ll now focus on the league match.”

The result gives Pirates a boost before they meet Babina Noko again in the second game of their triple-header in the Betway Premiership. That match will be played at Orlando on Tuesday night, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

Ouaddou said the performance reflected the balance required when managing a club of Pirates’ stature. He rejected the idea that his side had travelled to Polokwane simply to defend, explaining that the plan had been to play with confidence, apply pressure and force Sekhukhune into mistakes.

“When you are coaching such a big club, you have to find the balance between desire and discipline,” Ouaddou added. “I didn’t want to come here and have a defensive approach. Our target is to be confident, press them, force them to make mistakes and recover the ball.”

Pirates will now prepare for the league fixture before turning their attention back to the MTN8 tie. Although they hold a narrow lead, Ouaddou stressed that the semi-final remains unfinished, with the second leg still to come in a week’s time.