Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Kaizer Chiefs missed a golden opportunity to take control of the Soweto Derby after failing to convert their first-half chances, allowing the Buccaneers to regroup and secure a 2-1 victory.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised his players for their second-half response after they came from behind to beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.
Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi secured all three points for the Buccaneers, giving their supporters another memorable victory over their biggest rivals.
However, Ouaddou acknowledged that Chiefs had the better of the opening half and could have made more of their opportunities.
Despite Amakhosi creating promising scoring chances, Pirates struck first. A mistake by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine then allowed Pule Mmodi to bring Chiefs level.
The teams went into the second half with everything to play for, but Pirates returned with greater purpose and eventually found the winning goal.
Ouaddou admits Chiefs were better in the first half
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Ouaddou admitted that Chiefs had enjoyed the stronger first-half performance but argued that their inability to capitalise on their chances gave Pirates an opportunity to recover.
“Yes, it was a derby, we know the spirit of the derby. I think every team had its half. You can say that Kaizer Chiefs had the first half, unfortunately they didn’t take the chances,” Ouaddou said.
The Pirates coach explained that his team made changes at the break, both in personnel and tactical approach, which helped them take control of the contest.
“After we came with intention in the second half, we made some changes in terms of players but tactically as well,” he added.
Pirates showed their resilience after the break
Ouaddou was particularly pleased with the way his players responded after a difficult opening 45 minutes.
He believes the second-half display reflected the qualities he expects from his team: resilience, defensive solidity and the ability to create and convert scoring opportunities.
“We have seen the real face of Pirates in the second half. It means the team is resilient, solid, able to play, able to be solid and to score. These are the values of Pirates,” he said.
The coach also expressed his gratitude to the players, praising their contribution to a derby victory that will mean plenty to the club’s supporters.
Derby victory makes Ouaddou’s birthday special
The win carried additional significance for Ouaddou, who revealed that 1 November was his birthday and that he was turning 48.
The Pirates coach described the result as a special gift, while also acknowledging the supporters who backed the team.
“It’s a fantastic gift for me because the 1st November will be happy my birthday, I will have 48, I’m getting old. But it’s a fantastic gift. Well done for the boys, well done for the fans, they deserve it, and I’m a happy coach,” he said.
For Pirates, the result was another important derby triumph. For Chiefs, it was a reminder that creating chances means little if they are not converted.
The big question remains: did Orlando Pirates deserve the victory, or did Kaizer Chiefs let the derby slip away after failing to take advantage of their first-half dominance?
