Pirates coach unhappy with second half display against Stellies
Despite securing their first victory of the season, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was not pleased with his team's performance in the second half in the match against Stellenbosch FC.
A first half stunner by Kamogelo Sebelebele was enough to hand the Buccaneers a 1-0 win over Stellies in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
READ MORE: Sebelebele scorcher earns Pirates first league win of the season
It was Pirates' first victory in the league having suffered losses against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in their opening two league games.
'Of course, I'm delighted. I'm delighted for the fans because I have a thought for them because they were waiting for these three points for two-three weeks now so I have thought first of all for them,' Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
'I would like to congratulate my boys because they have got the character as well. We had a very interesting first half, we created top chances, we could have killed the game earlier.'
'We lost control of the game'
Despite the win, Ouaddou was not happy that his Pirates team lost control of the game in the second half and almost allowed Stellies back to it.
'In the second half, I think we lost the control and I think we have to improve in that if we want to go higher. We cannot accept to lose control of a game that we controlled since the beginning,' added the Moroccan.
'Look, because I'm looking for positional game, I'm looking for space between the lines, but modern football has to balance the opponent.
'Sometimes you need to identify the free space and they did it well. We have to diversify our style of play not only that, but it was interesting today.'
ALSO READ: Sundowns leave it late to sink Magesi
Following the victory against Stellies, Pirates will now shift their focus to Saturday's MTN8 semi-final second leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas MAsterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The teams played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Orlando last Saturday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns' official response to Lucas Ribeiro's resignation
Sundowns respond Mamelodi Sundowns have issued a statement after Lucas Ribeiro said he wanted his contract with the club terminated. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Perennial Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundown have responded to Lucas Ribeiro, who on Thursday said he had submitted his resignation from the club in order to force a transfer. Since the end of the FIFA Club World, the club have rebuffed a number of offers for the Brazilian, who was keen to make a move. In a statement on Thursday, Ribeiro said he had 'just cause' to terminate his contract with the club, and was taking the matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal. He claimed he was confident that due to recent judicial precedents, his position was strengthened. On Thursday, Sundowns issued a statement, saying they were still in discussions and negotiations over the transfer of Ribeiro. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Read Sundowns' full statement below Mamelodi Sundowns' success is based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the club's players. The success and achievements of Mamelodi Sundowns over the past two decades has been based on its deep commitment to the development, growth and financial sustainability of the Club's players. Sundowns has made significant investments in its youth academies and in developing and training boys and girls football players, to represent the Club, the South African and other National Teams in competitions on the the African Continent and globally. Mamelodi Sundowns has also made substantial investments over the years in recruiting, training and acquiring the services of some of the best South African, African and South American football players. It has always been the policy and commitment of Mamelodi Sundowns to engage and negotiate with football clubs in Africa and worldwide, that are interested in recruiting and acquiring the services of the Club's players. The objective of Sundowns in these discussions and negotiations has always been to advance the interests of the player and the Club and to be fair and just, and to contribute to the fulfilment of the interests of all parties. Mamelodi Sundowns has received enquries, particularly after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, from a few prominent football clubs that have expressed an interest in acquiring the services of certain Sundowns players. Mamelodi Sundowns is committed to continue with these discussions and negotiations, as part of its policy and deep commitment to advance the interests of the players and the Club, as well as the fulfilment of the objectives and interests of all parties. The players, Technical Team, management, Board and the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe, are all motivated and inspired to compete and succeed in all competitions in South Africa and on the African Continent. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Sundowns coach Cardoso: Advantage or not, Orlando Pirates are a tough nut to crack
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stresses focus and intensity ahead of Saturday's MTN8 semi-final second leg clash with Orlando Pirates. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As anticipation builds for the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash between arch-rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates on Saturday in Pretoria, coach Miguel Cardoso is keen to manage expectations, downplaying any advantages his team may hold. With memories of a tightly contested first leg still fresh — in which Sundowns secured an important away goal in a 1–1 draw — the stakes are set for a high-octane encounter at home. Reflecting on last week's performance in Orlando, Cardoso acknowledged the challenges inherent in knockout competitions. 'It might be a cliché, but it's a fact that matches like our competitions with knock-out rounds over two legs are always very tough, both tough,' he stated, underscoring the intensity and unpredictability that define this format. Despite holding the advantage of a home ground and an away goal, Cardoso remains pragmatic. 'Theoretically, people can state that there's an advantage because we already played away and we were able to score one goal,' he conceded. 'However, the reality on the pitch is what truly matters during the two legs. I think that the objectivity of football is determined by what happens inside the four lines,' he added, suggesting that both teams possess the tenacity to battle for victory. The coach offered an honest appraisal of the first match, which he said lacked finesse. 'It was clear that it was not a very aesthetically pleasing match of football, and I don't expect the second one to be much further away from that,' he said, indicating that the encounters will likely be overshadowed by physical play and fierce duels. While Cardoso expressed hope for a more visually pleasing contest this time around, he maintained a focus on the competition with evident seriousness. 'We have a clear intention to win the match because we don't consider that having scored away gives you that comfort,' he stated firmly, challenging his side to elevate their performance against a formidable opponent. As the teams prepare to face off in a match poised to determine who advances to the MTN8 final, anticipation is palpable. 'Expectations of a tough match against a serious opponent,' Cardoso remarked, recognising the significance of the fixture for players, coaches, and fans alike. 'It will be an intriguing match to follow,' he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an emotionally charged encounter filled with passion and intensity.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Ouaddou confident Orlando Pirates can overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side has the mentality and depth to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final second leg. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side will have enough resources to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday and reach the MTN8 final. Pirates will visit Sundowns in the semi-final second leg at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, following the teams' 1–1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. With Sundowns' away goal giving them the advantage, the pressure is on Pirates to deliver a result in hostile territory. Both sides come into the clash high in confidence after midweek victories in the Betway Premiership. Pirates edged Stellenbosch 1–0 at home on Wednesday, a win that provided relief for Ouaddou after two straight defeats at the start of the season. Amid the positivity surrounding both clubs, Ouaddou painted a picture of the type of encounter he expects in Atteridgeville. 'It's tricky for both teams,' Ouaddou said. 'You have to be very smart about your approach. Of course, we can't give you the plan now, but what I can say is that it will be a very interesting game for both sides.' Sundowns, meanwhile, have pulled out all the stops to beat Pirates for the first time in four recent cup meetings, having lost twice in the MTN8 and once in the Nedbank Cup. They rested several regulars during their 2–0 win over Magesi on Wednesday, a game in which Peter Shalulile equalled the PSL's all-time top scorer record. Ouaddou is not reading too much into that approach, however, stressing that Saturday's clash will be an entirely different contest. 'I don't look at what they did,' he said. 'I was fully focused on our team. Cup games are not about rest, but about mentality. "Do you want to go to the final, keep the title, and play as a unit? "Sometimes you need to find the resources, especially when you go into extra time due to fatigue. Cup games come from the heart – somewhere deep.' The Pirates coach has also reintroduced several senior players in recent matches after facing criticism for chopping and changing his line-ups and favouring new signings. 'We have talented players. It's not just about finding a formula; we have a big squad and everyone is important,' Ouaddou explained. 'Every player who gets the chance to step onto the pitch must give his best for Pirates and the badge. I was very happy with the commitment shown. When they get opportunities, they need to perform.' While he admits there is a core group within the squad, Ouaddou insists he cannot afford to sideline others in such a big team competing on multiple fronts. 'We have a core of players, but everyone is important,' he said. 'It's difficult to talk about a core when you are managing such a large squad across many competitions. That may apply at a smaller club with 15 to 18 players, but at Pirates, you must respect every player and give them time to adapt,' he concluded. Join us over at THE CLUTCH For the latest breaking sporting news and insights from our veteran sports journalists visit our YouTube channel @theclutchza
