Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has openly admitted that some of his tactical decisions contributed to his team's difficult start during Saturday's highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers struggled to impose themselves during the opening half as Chiefs took advantage of the situation to put their opponents under pressure. The encounter attracted significant attention from South African football supporters, with both Soweto giants determined to secure bragging rights in one of the country's biggest football fixtures.

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou acknowledged that his attempt to surprise Chiefs with tactical adjustments did not produce the desired results. The Pirates coach admitted that his decisions may have negatively affected his team's performance and accepted responsibility for the situation.

"I tried to surprise the opponent, making some tactical choices that were not spot on. I believe that during the first half, coach Ouaddou caused problems for his side. I might have cost the game, but sometimes you have to be honest to see it," he admitted.

The Pirates mentor was nevertheless relieved that his team managed to reach the halftime break with the score level at 1-1, giving him an opportunity to reconsider his approach and introduce necessary changes.

Ouaddou explained that substitutions and tactical adjustments were important after recognising that his original plan was not working as expected. The changes were aimed at improving Pirates' organisation and helping the team compete more effectively in the second half.

His admission represents an unusually honest assessment from a coach following such an important fixture. Rather than shifting responsibility onto his players, Ouaddou acknowledged his own contribution to the team's difficulties.

The comments are likely to generate discussions among Orlando Pirates supporters, particularly regarding his tactical approach against their biggest rivals. The Soweto Derby remains one of South African football's most demanding occasions, where coaching decisions can have a significant influence on the outcome.

Source;

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