There is hope! Ouaddou shows tactical steel after Orlando Pirates hold Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8

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After back-to-back Premiership defeats in the opening rounds, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou sparked hope with a spirited performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium.

As a result of the early-season struggles, the Moroccan has been under fire as fans demand that Pirates rekindle the spirit of success witnessed during the victorious tenure of fan favourite Spaniard Jose Riveiro.

However, Pirates showcased an impressive performance against the formidable Sundowns on Saturday, signalling a potential turning point for Ouaddou and his squad. Pirates displayed resilience and tactical acumen, suggesting that the Moroccan’s approach may be beginning to take root.

With a solid 2-0 victory against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-finals, hopes were high for Ouaddou’s Pirates. Yet subsequent defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants sparked frustration among supporters and scrutiny of the coach’s methods. As Pirates prepared to face Sundowns, fans questioned the team’s direction.

Since Riveiro departed for Al Ahly in Egypt, the Buccaneers have struggled to find their footing and maintain the trajectory that had seen them claim domestic glory in cup competitions. The ghosts of past successes linger in the minds of supporters, leading to hopes that Ouaddou would adopt a more measured approach, building on Riveiro’s foundation rather than introducing sweeping changes.

Ouaddou’s decision to alter a line-up that had previously proven effective perplexed many within the fan base. Despite acknowledging Riveiro’s legacy, he has opted to make notable adjustments, providing opportunities for new players such as Sihle Nduli, Sipho Nduli and Boitumelo Radiopane to step into the limelight.

The risks, designed to inject energy and creativity, have drawn mixed reactions.

The jury is still out on whether these alterations will yield immediate dividends, particularly in league play, where Pirates need to recover quickly from early setbacks.

Pirates legends Edward “Magents” Motale and Jono Sono have weighed in on the unfolding saga. Motale emphasised the importance of patience as Ouaddou seeks to stamp his authority, reminding fans that even Alex Ferguson struggled in his first season at Manchester United before achieving greatness.

Sono, meanwhile, stressed the importance of clarity in teamwork and cohesive strategies to guide the team through this transition.

Ouaddou’s tactical change on Saturday provided food for thought and delivered dividends. Around the hour mark, he shifted right-wing Kamogelo Sebelebele to right-back to accommodate substitute Oswin Appollis. The switch proved decisive, as Sebelebele not only shored up the defence but also scored the equaliser in the dying moments.

Sebelebele’s energy sparked fresh attacking waves from deep, unsettling Sundowns in the closing stages. After the match, Ouaddou underlined the importance of versatility in the modern game.

“(Saturday) Sebelebele gave me that solution,” said the Moroccan, hinting at more flexible tactics to come.

For all the noise surrounding his arrival and the doubts over his methods, Abdeslam Ouaddou may just have offered a glimpse of what the future could hold for Orlando Pirates. His willingness to trust new players, make brave tactical calls and demand adaptability hints at a coach who refuses to be boxed in by the past.

Whether this philosophy will deliver silverware remains to be seen, but Saturday’s spirited showing against Mamelodi Sundowns suggested that Pirates, under Ouaddou, are at least beginning to forge a new identity — one that could silence the doubters if patience is afforded.