Orlando Pirates suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers were hoping to make it five consecutive MTN8 titles but found themselves second best against Masandawana.
Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners handed the Brazilians their first cup victory over Pirates in 19 years.
Although Sundowns were not at their best, they were efficient enough to frustrate the Buccaneers and capitalise on their opportunities.
Pirates, who were unbeaten this season heading into the final, looked out of sorts and rarely threatened to score. Even when they were awarded a second-half penalty, Ghampani Lungu failed to convert from the spot, with Ronwen Williams making the save.
Here are three reasons Abdeslam Ouaddou got it wrong as Orlando Pirates lost the MTN8 final.
- Poor midfield selection
Starting Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe in midfield proved ineffective, with the trio struggling to cope with Sundowns’ dominance in the middle of the park.
The three players had not started together this season, raising questions about Ouaddou’s decision to trust an untested combination in such an important match.
Mbatha, who had been out of action for two months, was also thrown straight into the starting line-up despite his lack of match fitness.
Sundowns took full advantage, winning the midfield battle and limiting Pirates’ ability to build attacks. The Buccaneers struggled to establish control, leaving their forwards isolated for long periods.
Sundowns owned the midfield against Orlando Pirates
In a final of this magnitude, Ouaddou needed a midfield combination capable of matching Sundowns’ intensity and experience. Instead, his selection failed to deliver the balance and control Pirates desperately needed.
- Starting Moremi ahead of Appollis
Ouaddou’s decision to start Tshepang Moremi ahead of Oswin Appollis was another selection call that failed to pay off.
Moremi endured a difficult afternoon, struggling to make an impact and often resorting to shots from distance rather than creating meaningful opportunities.
The winger spent much of the match chasing shadows and failed to trouble the Sundowns defence consistently. Orlando Pirates lacked the creativity and attacking threat needed to stretch their opponents, making it difficult for them to build momentum in the final third.
Appollis, who has been a regular attacking option for the Buccaneers, could have offered a different dimension with his direct running and ability to create chances.
With Pirates struggling to break down Sundowns, questions will inevitably be asked about whether Ouaddou should have started Appollis or introduced him earlier to change the course of the match.
- Taking Sebelebele off
Ouaddou’s decision to substitute Kamogelo Sebelebele in the second half was another move that raised questions.
Sebelebele had received a yellow card in the first half, which may have influenced the coach’s decision to take him off. However, his withdrawal arguably reduced Pirates’ attacking threat at a time when they needed to find a way back into the contest.
The winger’s energy and ability to drive forward could have given the Buccaneers another attacking outlet as they chased an equaliser.
Instead, Ghampani Lungu struggled to make the desired impact, missing a crucial penalty and failing to capitalise on another promising opportunity.
Will Orlando Pirates fans blame Ouaddou?
Ouaddou will have plenty to reflect on after Pirates’ disappointing defeat. His midfield selection failed to provide the necessary control, Moremi struggled to justify his inclusion ahead of Appollis, and Sebelebele’s substitution did little to improve the Buccaneers’ attacking threat.
