“We Were Lucky”: Ouaddou Sounding The Alarm
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou sounded the alarm about his team’s performance, stating they still have a lot of work to do despite reaching the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.
“I have a lot of work to do,” Ouaddou admitted regarding his side’s display.
His comments followed a tough test for Pirates, who were made to grind out a victory by Sekhukhune United in their Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Mpho Padime’s first-half goal was enough to secure a 1–0 win for the Sea Robbers, pushing them into the last four as they continue their title defense after winning the trophy last season as part of a historic treble.
“It is normal when you play four times in a row against the same team,” said Ouaddou.
“They cannot come and just chill. We started the game very well, exactly how we wanted to, trying to move this team block from side to side.
“Expecting some spaces between the lines, we managed to create some chances in the first half, but we converted only one. I think the opponents also had an opportunity to score in the first half.
“I can say that we are lucky to come away with one goal. We tried to make some adjustments in the second half, more specifically defensively, because we were a little bit disjointed. We could have conceded two goals because of a lack of communication, a lack of aggressiveness and a lack of cover as well.
“We tried to adjust to this tactical element. We also tried in the second half, maybe to manipulate the space, as they were pairing in the middle in our six and eight positions. So, we tried to manipulate their midfielders in order to create space.
“We managed very well in the second half, and we could have, for me, scored three or four goals if we were clinical, but we didn’t manage to do that.
“So, well done to the boys. I think the most important thing was to get to the next stage. Well done for the goal, and well done for another clean sheet.
“But again, hey, I have a lot of work to do.”
Pirates join Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals after Sundowns booked their spot midweek. The quarter-final round concludes on Sunday, with Stellenbosch hosting AmaZulu at Danie Craven Stadium and Kaizer Chiefs welcoming Siwelele at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The semi-final draw will be conducted immediately following those matches.
