Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says their tactical changes that inspired the 3-0 win over Stellenbosch in extra-time of the MTN8 final doesn’t make him any better or less of a coach than he was two months ago.
The former Morocco defender was speaking in reference to the major criticism he received after two losses in the league, in which sections of supporters were questioning his competence for the role as successor of Jose Riveiro, who won the MTN8 three seasons in a row.
The Spaniard also had two Nedbank Cup titles and three runners-up finishes in the league, added to a last-four run in the CAF Champions League last season.
However, Ouaddou and his technical team managed to beat Sundowns in a thrilling semi-final and repeat victory, an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in the competiion, with a repeat of the 2024 final against Stellies, with inspired changes.
Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Tshegofatso Mabasa came off the bench and contributed to the three goals in extra-time after the game had finished goalless in the 90 minutes of regulation time.
“We had to go to extra-time and we completely changes the plan quickly with my staff, trying to find space on the sides, so we brought some pace on the sides, who were able to make the difference and bring crosses,” he said.
“We brought in Mabasa, we know him as a player in the box, he’s not someone to make all the pressing like Makgopa, it’s a kind of player that needs to be served by good players.
“So we decided to bring Moremi, Appollis and it worked [to get the win] and it doesn’t mean I am a better coach than two months ago, I think maybe I’m still a plumber or carpenter for many people, I don’t think myself better than Steve Barker.
“I have huge respect for the coach, a very good coach and a very interesting team of Stellenbosch, it’s a very stable, professional cluib for a long time and we’re happy to have won this trophy.”
Pirates will now turn their attention to the first preliminary round of the Champions League where they face Lioli FC of Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium in Free State.
