Pirates, TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants Coaches Deliver Brutal Verdict on Their Players

Three Betway Premiership coaches have delivered strong criticism of their players following Tuesday night's Carling Knockout Cup last-16 matches, with poor decision-making, defensive mistakes and a lack of ruthlessness emerging as major concerns.

Orlando Pirates, TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants experienced contrasting results, but their respective coaches were united in demanding significant improvements from their squads.

While Pirates progressed with a convincing victory, TS Galaxy suffered a disappointing defeat, and Marumo Gallants were eliminated after a narrow loss against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was particularly unhappy despite his team's 3-0 victory over Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The Buccaneers secured their place in the quarter-finals through goals from Thapelo Moremi, who scored twice, and Thapelo Mokobodi. However, Ouaddou believed the performance fell below the standards expected of a club competing for major honours.

Pirates created numerous opportunities but failed to convert enough of them, leaving their coach frustrated with their decision-making in the final third.

Ouaddou questioned his players' tendency to prioritise individual glory instead of passing to teammates in better scoring positions.

The Moroccan tactician warned that such behaviour could undermine the club's ambitions of winning the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League.

He also made it clear that players given opportunities in the starting line-up must demonstrate their quality rather than take their positions for granted.

Meanwhile, TS Galaxy interim coach Esau Mtsweni was equally disappointed after his team suffered a 3-0 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

Wandile Duba scored a hat-trick to inspire Amakhosi to victory, but Mtsweni was more concerned about Galaxy's lack of intensity and their failure to respond effectively during the match.

The coach criticised his players for repeatedly making negative passes and failing to show the determination required to compete against their opponents.

Mtsweni was particularly frustrated because his technical team had worked on defensive organisation before the encounter, only for similar mistakes to resurface.

He challenged his players to take responsibility and improve quickly, especially with another important fixture against Polokwane City approaching.

Marumo Gallants coach Ronnie Kanalelo also expressed frustration after his side lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.

Although Gallants created opportunities, their inability to make the right decisions in decisive moments proved costly.

Kanalelo highlighted his team's struggles in one-on-one situations, explaining that players needed to assess opportunities more carefully instead of rushing their actions.

The three coaches have now sent a clear message to their squads: performances must improve if their respective ambitions are to be achieved.

With the Betway Premiership campaign continuing alongside domestic cup commitments, consistency, concentration and better decision-making will be crucial.

For Pirates, the warning comes ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, while Galaxy and Gallants must find solutions to their problems before their next league assignments.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2115438496554840131?a=s1oaEK5NwYIrOsu4ITk&s=19