Ouaddou Sets Sights On MTN8 Triumph
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team is determined to defend their MTN8 trophy and win it for the fourth consecutive time after a decisive 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the quarterfinals.
In his first official game as head coach, Ouaddou saw his side start strong, scoring two goals in the first half.
The first came from new signing Oswin Appollis in the 13th minute, and the second was a penalty converted by Patrick Maswanganyi in the 35th minute.
Appollis, who was signed from Polokwane City in the offseason, wasted no time making an impact against his former team. The Bafana Bafana international was also instrumental in the second goal, drawing the foul in the box that led to Maswanganyi’s penalty.
After the match, Ouaddou spoke to SuperSport TV, emphasizing the team’s ambition. “It’s a big victory for us, but it’s not finished. We have to go through, and the target is to win the MTN8,” he said. “When you are at Orlando Pirates, it’s about winning every cup. So, definitely, we have to win it. It will not be easy, but we will give our best to try and win it.”
Appollis’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award. Ouaddou praised the young player’s qualities and noted that he has even more to offer. “I’m happy for him. We’ve known Appollis for a long time, and he is surrounded by good players as well,” said Ouaddou.
“We haven’t even seen the best of him yet. But not only him—I want to congratulate all my boys. He won Man of the Match because of the collective effort.”
With their victory, Pirates now advance to the semi-finals. They will await the results of the final quarter-final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay on Sunday to determine their next opponent.
