“It Was Boxing Match” – Ouaddou Blasts Physicality As Pirates Lose Star Winger
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has detailed how Tshepang Moremi’s first-half injury forced critical tactical adjustments during Sunday’s intense Soweto Derby stalemate against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
Moremi’s afternoon ended prematurely in the 30th minute following a heavy collision with Chiefs defender Given Msimango inside the six-yard box.
The 26-year-old winger, a vital cog in the Pirates’ attack this season, was unable to continue, immediately destabilizing the team’s offensive structure.
Former AmaZulu star Moremi was replaced by Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi. While Maswanganyi provided a creative spark until the 90th minute, his arrival necessitated a shift from Moremi’s raw pace to a more intricate, technical approach in the final third.
Despite the tactical reshuffle, the Buccaneers secured a 1-1 draw. The result keeps Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership with 59 points as they hunt their first league title since the 2011/12 season.
Reflecting on the injury, Ouaddou highlighted Moremi’s statistical importance to the side.
“That really impacted our game because this player has been very important to us since the beginning of the season,” he said.
“If you look at the number and percentage of goals we’ve scored, he has been involved in many of them. The speed he brings is very important, but injuries can happen.
“He got injured against Chiefs because it was not a football match but more like a boxing match. Injuries are part of the game, and you have to find solutions on the bench with impact players.
“We had to adjust our approach. We brought on a player who operates more between the lines. We lost some speed, but we gained players who can combine in central areas and create chances.
“We introduced Tito (Maswanganyi), and he is a quality player who brings creativity. I think he did very well when he came on, but these kinds of injuries can happen.”
The former Morocco international defender also stressed the importance of adapting to physical contests, especially in matches like the Soweto Derby and continental competitions:
“In modern football, you have to adapt to physicality. These are the types of games that prepare you for playing outside the country, where conditions can be different.
“This season, there were matches where we struggled physically—against Richards Bay FC, Siwelele, and Chiefs—but we are learning to cope.
“If you cannot match the physicality, then you must move the ball quickly, stay mobile in midfield, and improve your awareness and decision-making before receiving possession. That is very important for the type of players we have, to avoid heavy challenges.”
Pirates will return to action next week when they face Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on 5 May, as they aim to continue their push for the league title.
