Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed jubilation after his team defeated Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership League match at the FNB stadium. The Moroccan coach was seen kneeling jubilantly at the final whistle, with a clenched fist pumped and pointed to the heavens. This win marked a significant milestone for Pirates, who faced their arch-rivals with a renewed sense of determination.
The match began with Kaizer Chiefs displaying a vigorous first-half performance, despite an early setback when Wandile Duba missed and Pirates took the lead through Yanela Mbuthuma. Chiefs created their own luck, with Pule Mmodi stabbing home after Sipho Chaine spilled a save. However, Pirates' flawed system, which included playing Deon Hotto at right-back, and an virtually empty midfield, allowed Chiefs to dominate.
Despite their dominance, Chiefs failed to convert their chances, and the two teams went into the break level at 1-1. This first-half display proved that Pirates were still not entirely well-oiled, with their youngsters needing to develop the temperament to deliver in high-stakes encounters. However, Ouaddou seems to have ingrained a fighting mentality in this team, which became evident in the second half.
Pirates took the lead through Tshepang Moremi in the second half, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond to pressure. Ouaddou introduced Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Mpho Padime for their derby debuts, with Padime proving more constructive on the day. The team's victory was largely down to Chiefs' inability to maintain their intensity and Da Cruz's reluctance to make tactical substitutions.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz looked out of sorts in the second half, failing to make changes until the 75th minute. This decision exposed a lack of a Plan B and suggested a reluctance to take risks, especially in a derby where the score margin matters little compared to the result.
In contrast, Ouaddou enjoyed himself alongside the players and supporters after the final whistle, showing off some slick dance moves. The win was a reward for a hard-fought victory, even if the performance also showed that his team still has a long way to go.
The Soweto derby win marked a significant milestone for Pirates, who have shown they can compete with their arch-rivals. However, the match also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in terms of developing the temperament to deliver in high-stakes encounters.
Key points
- Orlando Pirates secured a hard-fought victory against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.
- Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou instilled a fighting mentality in his team, which became evident in the second half.
- The win marked a significant milestone for Pirates, who have shown they can compete with their arch-rivals.
