Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that his Soweto Derby surprise failed despite the club’s 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs. The Buccaneers moved to the top of the table after securing a hard-fought Derby victory at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
However, their first-half struggles prompted Ouaddou to revise an experiment he admitted had not worked. His decision to deploy Deon Hotto at right-back failed to deliver the desired results against Chiefs, and the Bucs mentor has said it is a position he is still trying to resolve in Kamogelo Sebelebele’s absence.
After hinting at a surprise before the encounter, the Pirates coach later revealed he had been referring to using the left-footed wing back on the right. The reasoning stemmed from the Namibian international’s experience at left-back. Ouaddou hoped that familiarity with the defensive role would help the 36-year-old provide a solution on the opposite flank.
“Look, when I told you about the surprise, it was Hotto as a right-back. But I cannot tell you that it was successful,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV in his post-match interview. “We tried something because he has experience playing left-back. We said maybe at right-back. We were looking for a solution, but I think it was not successful. It’s why we changed afterwards.”
LUNGU BECOMES ANOTHER OPTION IN SEBELEBELE’S ABSENCE
With Sebelebele sidelined, Ouaddou continues to seek a workable alternative at right-back. Hotto’s deployment was one attempt to address the problem. Gamphani Lungu then offered another option in the second half, coming on for Nkosikhona Ndaba and taking up the right-back role as Pirates adjusted both their personnel and their tactical approach.
The changes helped the Buccaneers produce a second-half display that Ouaddou felt better reflected his team’s identity.
“We made some changes in terms of players, but tactically as well. And we have seen the real face of Pirates in the second half. A team that is resilient, solid, able to play and able to score. These are the values of Pirates,” he said.
Ouaddou also defended his judgement as he works to make Pirates effective in different circumstances. The Moroccan added that he wants a side capable of winning through attractive football, but also one equipped to compete when its passing game is less fluent.
“In modern football, you have to be efficient, to be ruthless. You need to be complete. And it’s the face that I try to give to Pirates as I’m here to be able to play. Sometimes we’re able to play good football, sometimes not. But something that you cannot reproach us for is the fighting spirit, the solidity and scoring goals.”
The Bucs return to action Friday in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal before the November FIFA break.
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