Abdeslam Ouaddou insists Orlando Pirates will meet expectations after MTN8 semi-final first leg draw

Abdeslam Ouaddou says he knows what is expected of Orlando Pirates this season, which is why they will never give up until they meet those expectations.

Pirates drew 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Sundowns took the lead in the first half through Teboho Mokoena before Kamogelo Sebelele equalised late for the hosts.

Before levelling matters, Pirates appeared headed for defeat — something that could have been disastrous for Ouaddou, possibly even costing him his job. The 46-year-old went into the match under pressure, having lost his first two Betway Premiership games despite beating Polokwane City in the MTN8 opener.

Critics had questioned Ouaddou for chopping and changing his squad, favouring new signings instead of building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, José Riveiro. He reiterated after the match that he is fully aware of the expectations on him and his team.

“When you become a coach, you need passion and energy,” he said.

“You know that when you don’t get results in such big games, you must expect pressure. I have been giving my best with the players and focusing on my job.

"I know the task is not easy when you have many players. You have to find the right solution, and that’s what we are trying to do. We have to believe in that.

"We know there are a lot of expectations, and we want to bring happiness to our fans. We want to win games and bring the club back to where it deserves to be. That’s what is expected of us as a team.”

Ouaddou heeded fans’ calls to reintegrate some of the old guard, starting Thalente Mbatha and Deano van Rooyen against Sundowns. Mbatha was influential, while van Rooyen struggled and gave away possession cheaply. When Ouaddou substituted both in the second half, the Ghost expressed their displeasure.

However, Ouaddou’s tactical switch, converting Sebelele into a full-back and deploying Oswin Appollis in an advanced role, paid dividends.

“In modern football, you can rotate players in many positions,” he explained.

“As a player, you have to be able to play in at least two positions. It’s very important to give options to the coach. Mike Sebelele gave me this opportunity because I know he can be efficient. I was looking for someone to help us because we were losing 1-0.

"We wanted someone who could deliver crosses but also help defensively. Sometimes it works, as it did today, and sometimes it might not. It doesn’t mean I am fantastic or made a brilliant choice. I just had a feeling it would work—and it did. Maybe next time people will say it didn’t.”

While admitting the move was somewhat trial-and-error, Ouaddou insists he never lost faith in his team. “I can only talk to you about my team, not the other team,” he said.

“I knew they had great spirit and character — I saw that in the pre-season camp in Spain. I knew they were capable of coming back, and even winning the game.

"So, it’s not something new for me. I know my team, and I expect a lot from them,” he concluded.