Ouaddou Praises Team’s Bravery In Historic MTN8 Win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou said the MTN8 final was a “tactical battle” after his side defeated Stellenbosch FC to win their fourth successive title.

The Buccaneers needed extra time to secure a 3-0 victory at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Substitutes Tshepang Moremi, who scored a brace, and Tshegofatso Mabasa made the difference as Pirates became the first team to win the trophy four times in a row.

The win marks Pirates’ 14th top-eight trophy in the club’s history, placing them just one behind Kaizer Chiefs’ record.

“I think it was a very tactical game. You have seen it was close. I said to the players that this game will be won by small details and tactically,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV after the match.

“I’d like to congratulate them first, because they were brave, they believed until the end. I know that the most important thing is to be strong, to have a very, very strong defense inside our team block, to be united, and to work inside the block, because we know that at any time, we have the weapons to win that game. It’s what happened.”

Ouaddou, who was appointed during the off-season, praised the impact of his substitutes.

“The changes were in the bench. We know that we will bring them, and we know that they will make the difference. So, I’m very happy for the club, very happy for the fans. I’m very happy for the players as well. And I thank my staff, the South African staff, for this title.”

Ouaddou also dedicated the victory to members of the club who were in a car accident with him when they traveled to play against Chippa United before the FIFA international break.

“I’d like to dedicate this victory, this trophy to the goalkeeper coach, Tyron Damons, who is watching us,” Ouaddou said.

“Tapelo [Xoki] as well, my player. We’ve been in the accident two weeks ago. So, I thank God for this title because, you know what? If God was not there, maybe we could have passed away because it was very dangerous [accident].

So, I’m very happy today just to celebrate with the fans and with my players and all the lovers of football in South Africa.”