Abdeslam Ouaddou explains shock Appollis decision in MTN8 final

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Ouaddou on why Appollis was benched in cup decider

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Abdeslam Ouaddou explains shock Appollis decision in MTN8 final

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10.10.26 FT MTN 8 Cup South Africa

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the rationale behind benching influential attacker Oswin Appollis in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend.

The Buccaneers surrendered the top eight crown to the Brazilians after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium, falling to goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners.

Ouaddou raised eyebrows with his team selection, opting to use Appollis off the bench, with the Bafana international entering the fray after the restart in a bid to restore parity.

When pressed on what informed the decision to bench the former Polokwane City talisman, the Pirates boss revealed that it was part of their game plan to use the player as a game changer.

“You're right, he's one of the best players in the country and in our team as well. But you know when you are playing a game, you have a strategy, you can play it in different phases,” said Ouaddou.

"You have to anticipate what can happen in the second half. We planned to bring him quickly after the first-half. I think we did it last year and you know how I work, I all the time have some players in the starting XI, but I have impact players.

"So, today [Saturday] he was part of the impact players, somebody who can change the game for us. But the fact that we conceded early changed our plan because we were chasing.

"Oswin is a fantastic player, he's very important for us, international player but today we took the decision to bring him as an impact player to change the game for us.

Pirates will now shift focus to the Betway Premiership as they continue their title defense with a clash against TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.