Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has offered a candid assessment of the midfield partnership between Camren Dansin and Thapelo Mokobodi following their 3-0 victory over Chippa United on Sunday afternoon.
The Betway Premiership tie between the Chilli Boys and the Buccaneers took place at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
The two young midfielders controlled the middle of the park with maturity, helping the Soweto giants secure all three points and climb to the top of the Betway Premiership table.
Pirates currently lead the standings with seven points, tied with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs but holding the top spot courtesy of a superior goal difference. Both sides have played three league games thus far.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU ON CAMREN DANSIN AND THAPELO MOKOBODI PAIRING
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Ouaddou explained the tactical reasoning behind deploying Dansin and Mokobodi together against the Brandon Truter-led side.
“You know, I’m a coach who really wants to have the ball,” said Ouaddou. “We planned according to how we profiled our opponent for today’s game. We knew they would apply the mid-block approach, and we needed some players to find other players between the lines.
“So, I wanted to play with two eights. I think they were great. Two young players; definitely, Pirates have a great future.”
While praising their performance, the Sea Robbers mentor emphasised the need for consistency from the duo as the season progresses.
“Now, again, the question mark is whether they are going to repeat the quality performance they have shown today. But we will see moving forward. Overall, credit needs to be given to the boys,” Ouaddou added.
Pirates now shift their focus to this weekend’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane, Limpopo. The Premier Soccer League [PSL] will confirm the kick-off time and venue [stadium] in due course.
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