“An Impact Player”: The Reason Behind Ouaddou’s Decision to Bench Appollis in the MTN8 Final Loss to Sundowns

October 11, 2026 sportnow Orlando Pirates’ head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified his choice to place Oswin Appollis on the bench during their MTN8 final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Buccaneers faced a 2-0 defeat, with Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners finding the back of the net, thwarting Pirates’ ambitions of securing the trophy for a fifth consecutive year.

Ouaddou decided to field Gamphani Lungu and Tshepang Moremi on the wings, keeping Appollis as a substitute. The Bafana Bafana star entered the field right after half-time to take the place of the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Sebelebele’s injury required Lungu to shift to the right-back position, which complicated Pirates’ efforts to regain control of the match.

After the match, Ouaddou commended Appollis and disclosed that he intended to bring the winger on early in the second half.

“I believe Oswin Appollis is one of the top players in the country and a key asset for our squad,” he expressed.

“However, when preparing for a match, one must implement a strategy, considering possible scenarios for the second half.

“We intended to substitute him early in the second half. We followed a similar tactic last year [when he made a significant impact after coming on in the second half during the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch]. You are aware of my methodology. I always have my starting eleven, but I also believe in the influence of impact players who can alter the game.

“Today (Saturday), he was among those impact players. Unfortunately, conceding early forced us to adjust our strategy as we needed to pursue the game.

“Oswin is an exceptional talent and crucial to our team. He is an international player; however, today (Saturday), we opted to utilize him as an impact player who could enter the game and make a difference.”

The loss marked the end of Pirates’ four-year reign as MTN8 champions, with Sundowns preventing them from clinching a fifth consecutive title.

The Buccaneers will now focus on Tuesday’s Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena, hoping to rebound and restore their winning momentum.

Appollis will be aiming to secure a spot in the starting lineup as Pirates strive to move past their disappointment in the cup final and get their season back on track.