Orlando Pirates Coach Abdelslam Waddu Satisfied with Team's Reaction to MTN8 Semi-final Demands Against Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu stated that the main principle of the approach to the MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United must be 'insightful and intelligent' tactics.

This match is the first game of the two-legged semi-final and is scheduled for Saturday in Polokwane. The first encounter will take place at the small Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15:00.

Waddu noted that the team strives to achieve a positive result with great ambition, but stressed that the game requires a very well-thought-out approach. He said: 'When you play in these two matches, you need to be very smart.'

The Moroccan coach, who has won three titles, added that he enjoys participating in this tournament because all participants take it seriously. He believes that participation in the cup helps the team maintain stability at the beginning of the season. He also mentioned that, unlike some countries, the competition in South Africa is among the top eight teams, which he finds fantastic.

The Pirates team is once again staking its title, aiming to win it for the fifth consecutive time since 2022. The team's ability to adapt will be tested as they actively fight to retain the league title and aim to win a second continental star in the CAF Champions League.

The small Old Peter Mokaba Stadium becomes another factor that needs to be skillfully and intelligently considered. Waddu acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming game, as they are playing away against a strong Sekhukhune side. He added: 'We know it will be difficult, especially on a small pitch, but yes, for us we definitely want to keep this title. We know we have two matches. Right now we just want to focus on MTN8 (the first match) and we know we have time to focus on the league. Step by step.'

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu responded to criticism after the team demonstrated the desired reaction. Although Waddu achieved a response from the team, he then addressed those who questioned his coaching methods after the 'Bucaneers' returned to winning form.

The team secured a convincing victory following a frustrating draw with AmaZulu, thanks to goals from Gampani Lungu, Lebone Simi, and Daniel Msenda. This result was a consequence of Waddu's direct assessment of senior players mid-week after the draw, which sparked debates about his management style and relationship with the players.

Specifically, goalkeeper Sipho Chen and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi came under the coach's scrutiny, raising questions about whether the coach's public criticism compromises squad stability. However, Waddu insisted there were no disagreements between him and the players, asserting that outsiders cannot fully grasp the dynamics in the locker room or the methods he uses to achieve the best results from his team.

He stated: 'I said I wanted to see a reaction from my players, and I got it today; I just hope we are consistent in the next matches.' Furthermore, Waddu noted: 'It's funny how some people want to create a rift between the coach and the players. I know my players and their psychology very well, and they know their coach well. Yes, sometimes their coach is fiery, but there is love here, and like any father or older brother, when they want a reaction, and I got it.'

The coach also expressed disappointment over the attention given to his comments, emphasizing that his methods should be evaluated within the context of what is happening inside the Pirates locker room. He added: 'Now people don't want to let me do my job, everyone is commenting, and everyone has something to say about what the coach says, but they don't know what is happening in the locker room, and maybe my problem as a coach is that I am too honest.'

For the Pirates coach, the next phase is most important now. The victory provided the immediate response he wanted, but consistency will determine whether this game becomes a real turning point or just an isolated reaction to mid-week frustration.

Following the match that ended in a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in Durban, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu expressed strong dissatisfaction with his club's stars. Among the players who received a 'wake-up call' were Kamogelo Selebelele and goalkeeper Sipho Chane.

Abdeslam Waddu raised an alarm among his leading players, including captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and starting goalkeeper Sipho Chane, after the team dropped points in their second Betway Premier League season match against AmaZulu.

The match, held on a cool evening at Kings Park stadium, seemed like a potential victory for the Pirates, as they dominated the start of the game and scored the first goal. However, AmaZulu could have gone into halftime with a 2-1 lead, as the goal was disallowed for offside before Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya equalized late in the first half.

These incidents, along with other moments, caused frustration for Waddu, who did not hide his disappointment during the post-match interview.

Waddu noted that despite congratulations from Sibisi and Chane regarding World Cup participation, they need to 'wake up' because the coach has no time for their recovery. He admitted that his team failed to capitalize after putting strong pressure on Usutu in the beginning of the game.

The coach stated: 'I love my team, and I will say that we definitely deserved more. I will talk about the second half because then we played better, not in the first. We should have played better. But the credit belongs to AmaZulu—they are a tough opponent. They are well-trained. I like their coach (Arthur Zwane); he is one of the best in the league and very humble.'

The draw allowed Kaizer Chiefs to take first place in the standings, six points ahead of their upcoming match against Mamelodi Sundowns.