Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that his tactical decisions nearly cost his side the Soweto Derby, despite the Buccaneers claiming a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs. The match took place at FNB Stadium on Saturday, with Pirates needing a second-half strike from Tshepang Moremi to secure the win. Ouaddou attributed the team's difficult opening 45 minutes to his own tactical approach, which he believed backfired.
The Buccaneers were surprisingly unsettled by Chiefs' tactical approach, with the hosts arguably fortunate to go into the half-time break level at 1-1. Amakhosi had several opportunities to take control of the contest but failed to convert those chances, ultimately proving costly. Ouaddou took full accountability for Pirates' first-half struggles, admitting that his attempt to surprise Chiefs with a tactical adjustment had backfired.
Rather than shift the responsibility onto his players, Ouaddou shouldered the blame, stating that his tactical choice wasn't spot on. He acknowledged that Chiefs had enough opportunities to put the derby beyond Pirates' reach before the interval. The missed chances gave Pirates an opportunity to regroup and eventually punish their opponents after the restart.
Ouaddou believes that if Chiefs had taken their opportunities, the game could have been out of Pirates' reach. However, the coach expressed relief that his team went into half-time at 1-1. Moremi delivered the decisive moment in the 55th minute after Thapelo Mokobodi broke through Chiefs' high defensive line and set up the winger for his fifth Betway Premiership goal of the season.
The victory gives Pirates an important result in one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar. Ouaddou's admission offered a rare glimpse into the tactical decisions behind the derby. The win showcases the team's resilience and ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.
The Soweto Derby is a highly anticipated match between two of South Africa's most successful football clubs, with a significant following and intense rivalry. The match lived up to expectations, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Pirates' ability to adapt and adjust their strategy in the second half ultimately led to their victory.
The result will boost Pirates' confidence as they continue their campaign in the Betway Premiership League. Ouaddou's willingness to take responsibility for the team's performance demonstrates his accountability and commitment to improvement. The coach's tactical decisions and team management will be closely scrutinized in future matches.
Key points
- Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou blames himself for his team's first-half struggles in the Soweto Derby win over Kaizer Chiefs.
- Ouaddou admits that his tactical approach backfired, but the team showed resilience to secure a 2-1 victory.
- The win keeps Pirates competitive in the Betway Premiership League, with Tshepang Moremi scoring the decisive goal in the 55th minute.
