Ouaddou happy with Pirates’ response to MTN8 semi-final first leg demands against Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou lauded his team’s discipline and organisation during their MTN8 semi-final first-leg win over Sekhukhune United in Polokwane, saying it was important to respond to the demands of the game.

Pirates beat Sekhukhune 1-0 at the sold-out and blazing-hot Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Player of the Match Deon Hotto, who was one of the players handed a rare starting berth alongside some newcomers.

Despite the changes to the usual starting lineup, Pirates dominated the game from start to finish. They were patient in the build-up, playing to the tempo of the game and the warm spring conditions.

That approach pleased Ouaddou. He insisted in his post-match interview with SuperSport TV that his troops did enough to preserve energy, get the win, keep a clean sheet and secure an away goal ahead of the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena next Saturday.

Too Hotto to Handle 🌶️🌶️

Deon puts the Bucs a goal up at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium ⚽💥

📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/3iFzz7W0bz

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 22, 2026

“Credit has to be given to our boys. They responded very well in terms of discipline and organisation,” Ouaddou said. “Sometimes, we lost the ball cheaply and gave them an opportunity to finish us, but I am very happy with the team spirit of the boys.

“We came here to win and get the victory. But we still have the second half to play. We’ll rest the players and play the second leg in a week’s time. We’ll now focus on the league match.”

Pirates will take huge morale from this win as they face Babina Noko in the second game of their triple-header in the Betway Premiership at Orlando on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off).

“When you are coaching such a big club, you have to find the balance between desire and discipline,” Ouaddou added. “I didn’t want to come here and have a defensive approach. Our target is to be confident, press them, force them to make mistakes and recover the ball.”

@MihlaliBaleka

IOL Sport