Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his disappointment in his players despite his team’s 2-1 win over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Two second-half goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa secured a semi-final spot for the Buccaneers but it was John Mokone’s consolation goal that rattled Ouaddou. His team was dominant at the Orlando Stadium and could have won by more than two goals had it not been for Elvis Chipezeze’s heroics.
After the match, Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed his players for sloppy play, which allowed Pirates to concede.
“Now my big disappointment is the last 15 minutes. If we want to be more ambitious, to move forward, we have to stop this nonsense of playing sterile possession.
“If we want to do this, we have to go to the circus, I’m not here to go to the circus; I’m here to improve my players to go forward. We have to stop this nonsense,” he said.
Abdeslam Ouaddou wants Pirates to shut the door
Since joining Orlando Pirates, Ouaddou has suffered just three defeats across all competitions. His biggest loss was at the hands of Saint Eloi Lupopo in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Although the Buccaneers fought back to win 3-0 in the second leg, they were eliminated following a penalty shootout.
A Carling KO triumph will make Abdeslam Ouaddou an instant legend at Pirates. This is one trophy that has eluded the Sea Robbers for many years. Having lost eight of the nine finals, this might be the year the Buccaneers finally win the Carling Knockout.