Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised ground staff for the improved surface at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium following their 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg.
The Buccaneers took a crucial step toward reaching the final of the MTN8 tournament, edging Babina Noko at the venue while the main New Peter Mokaba Stadium next door continues to undergo pitch rehabilitation.
The French-Moroccan tactician’s latest sentiment marks a significant shift from his previous visit to the Polokwane-based venue in March 2026. Following a 2-1 league victory over Polokwane City FC, Ouaddou strongly criticised the decision to host top-flight fixtures on the secondary pitch, arguing that player safety was being compromised.
WHAT ABDESLAM OUADDOU SAID ABOUT OLD PETER MOKABA STADIUM IN MARCH 2026
“You know, today [4 March 2026], I think the pitch didn’t allow us to play properly,” Ouaddou stated at the time. “We could’ve picked up some injuries, and I don’t think it’s good for football or the fans. The pitch didn’t allow us to play nice football for our supporters.”
WHAT THE ORLANDO PIRATES COACH SAID AFTER BEATING SEKHUKHUNE UNITED OVER THE WEEKEND
Reflecting on Saturday’s semi-final clash, Ouaddou commended the stadium authorities for rectifying the playing surface, though he reiterated that high-profile cup encounters belong on larger stages.
“Look, I don’t like to criticise because even the pitch was small. So I think we have to give people who work on the pitch credit because it was in a good state to play football. Well done to them, and I would like to give them credit,” said Ouaddou.
“However, in my personal view, for such good competitions that everybody in the country is watching, we must have bigger pitches with a lot of influence for fans. I am sure every game brings more supporters, and we can definitely fill a stadium. I know the new stadium is going through refurbishment, so maybe there was no choice, but such competitions have to be played in big venues.”
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