Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained his decision to start Oswin Appollis on the bench in the MTN8 final loss to arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night. The match took place at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Pirates relinquished their four-year streak in the MTN8. Sundowns won 2-0, with Teboho Mokoena scoring in the first half and Iqraam Rayners wrapping up the tie from the penalty spot.
Despite being underdogs on paper due to a youthful, new-look squad, Ouaddou's decision to bench Appollis was unexpected. Appollis, the PSL Midfielder of the Season and Bafana Bafana international, made his entrance at half-time to replace the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele. However, with Sundowns in control and stabilizing the midfield through the introduction of Thabo Cele, Appollis found it difficult to turn the tide for his side.
Ouaddou praised Appollis, stating that he is one of the best players in the country and a key player for Pirates. However, Ouaddou emphasized that in a cup final, a team's strategy is crucial. He explained that he had a plan to bring Appollis on quickly in the second half, similar to last season's MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, where Appollis and Tshepang Moremi came off the bench to win the match in extra time.
Ouaddou revealed that he categorizes his players into starting lineups and impact players. He stated that Appollis was part of the impact players and was expected to change the match, especially since Pirates conceded first and were chasing the match. Ouaddou expressed confidence in Appollis, describing him as a fantastic and important player for the team.
Despite the defeat, Pirates cannot afford to dwell on it. They need to quickly dust themselves off and focus on defending their remaining silverware, including the Carling Knockout Cup, which launches on Wednesday. The team will look to regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
The MTN8 final defeat was a significant loss for Pirates, as they had been the defending champions for four years. Sundowns' win marked a new era for the team, and they celebrated their victory with their staff and players. The match was a closely contested encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
Pirates will look to bounce back from the defeat and compete in the Carling Knockout Cup. The team's performance in the cup competition will be crucial in determining their season's success. With a strong squad and experienced coach, Pirates will aim to make a deep run in the competition and redeem themselves after the MTN8 final loss.
Key points
- Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou benched Oswin Appollis in the MTN8 final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns to utilize him as an impact player.
- Appollis made his entrance at half-time but struggled to change the tide of the match.
- Pirates will focus on defending their remaining silverware, including the Carling Knockout Cup.
