“An Impact Player”: Why Ouaddou Benched Appollis In MTN8 Final Defeat To Sundowns
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained his decision to start Oswin Appollis on the bench in their MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Buccaneers suffered a 2-0 defeat, with Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners scoring the goals that ended Pirates’ hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive season.
Ouaddou opted to start with Gamphani Lungu and Tshepang Moremi on the wings, leaving Appollis among the substitutes. The Bafana Bafana international was introduced immediately after half-time, replacing the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Sebelebele’s injury also forced Lungu to move to right-back, disrupting Pirates’ plans as they attempted to fight their way back into the contest.
Speaking after the match, Ouaddou praised Appollis and revealed that he had planned to introduce the winger early in the second half.
“I think Oswin Appollis is one of the best players in the country and an important player for our team,” he said.
“But when you play a game, you have a strategy. You have to think ahead and anticipate what could happen in the second half.
“We planned to bring him on early in the second half. I think we did the same last year [when he came on in the second half and made a huge impact in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch last year]. You know how I work. I always have my starting eleven, but for me, I also have impact players who can change the game.
“Today (on Saturday), he was one of those impact players. However, the fact that we conceded early changed our plan because we had to chase the game.
“Oswin is a fantastic player and a very important player for us. He is an international player, but today (on Saturday), we decided to use him as an impact player who could come on and change the game.”
The defeat brought Pirates’ four-year reign as MTN8 champions to an end, with Sundowns denying them the opportunity to secure a fifth consecutive title.
The Buccaneers will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash against TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena as they look to bounce back and return to winning ways.
Appollis will also be hoping to earn a place in the starting line-up as Pirates look to put their cup final disappointment behind them and get their campaign back on track.
