Ouaddou: Pirates might play three at the back
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he opted for a back three against the Carling All Stars because he wanted to surprise them, adding that it is a tactical option the team could use in the second half of the season.
The Pirates juggernaut continues to prove difficult to contain, as the Buccaneers secured a 2–0 victory over the Carling All Stars in the Carling Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, despite being without nine players.
Pirates were missing key players such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule and Nkosinathi Sibisi, among others, yet the fan-selected All Stars side in Durban could not stop them.
The Soweto giants, who also top the Betway Premiership standings heading into the Africa Cup of Nations break, became the first club team to win the Carling Cup after the All Stars lifted the trophy in the previous two seasons.
Pirates were boosted by the return of Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane to the starting line-up. Ndah had been sidelined since suffering an injury against Polokwane City in September last year, while Sesane ruptured his Achilles tendon during a win over Sekhukhune United in February.
Their return is crucial ahead of the second half of the season, particularly with Mbokazi set to join MLS side Chicago Fire after the Africa Cup of Nations. The defender was unavailable for the match as he is currently part of the Bafana Bafana squad preparing for the 2025 AFCON.
Explaining his tactical approach, Ouaddou said at the press conference at the Moses Mabhida Stadium after the game:
“On the system, we wanted to surprise them by going with three at the back. Even if they realised it, it came as a shock because they didn’t have enough time to prepare.
“Having said that, I might change the shape in the second half of the season and go with three at the back. It gives me confidence for the future.”
The Carling Cup triumph marked Pirates’ third trophy of the season, following their MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup successes. While the Carling Cup may be viewed as a friendly, given that the All Stars team is selected by fans, Ouaddou insisted it remains worth celebrating.
“I have to congratulate the boys because they have been doing well, and this is now our third trophy this season,” said Ouaddou.
“It’s a big achievement for the players, the club and the fans. Let’s celebrate the trophy. We’ve done great work, and the most difficult part will come in January.”
