Ouaddou Explains the Half-Time Changes That Followed His Hotto Selection

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that his decision to start Deon Hotto at right-back against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby did not work as planned. The coach has taken responsibility for the tactical decision, insisting that the players should not be blamed because he was the one who made the final selection.

Hotto, who is naturally a left-sided player, was selected ahead of Sihle Sigomoshe for the important match. Ouaddou explained that he had considered Sigomoshe’s good performances in previous games but eventually decided to use the experience of Hotto because of the pressure surrounding the Derby.

The Pirates coach also revealed that he was concerned about the threat posed by the opposition on that side of the pitch. He believed Hotto’s experience could help the team deal with the danger and protect Sigomoshe from the pressure of playing in such a big match.

Speaking after Pirates’ 2-1 victory, Ouaddou made it clear that he understood why his selection would attract attention. He also pointed out that the Derby was played in front of a huge crowd, making it an important occasion for everyone involved.

“When I speak about this choice, and sometimes you have to accept, you can’t blame the players, I had the choice to make. I spoke to you about the magnitude of the game, today we’re talking 100,000 people,” Ouaddou said.

He praised Sigomoshe for the way he had performed in recent matches and for adapting quickly after joining Pirates from Milford. The coach explained that he did not want to expose the player to unnecessary pressure because a Soweto Derby can be difficult for any footballer.

However, the decision to use Hotto at right-back did not produce the attacking threat Ouaddou wanted. Pirates struggled to create width down the right, while the team also lacked the forward runs normally expected from a natural right-back.

The coach admitted that the team did not have enough runs behind the opposition’s defence from that position. He also explained that full-backs are important to his playing style because they help provide width and support attacks.

Ouaddou responded by making changes at half-time. Hotto moved to left-back, while Gamphani Lungu came on for Nkosikhona Ndaba and took up the right-back position.

The coach accepted that his first-half decision had not helped the team and said he would analyse the situation with his technical staff. He also acknowledged that coaches are not perfect and sometimes make mistakes.

Despite the tactical challenge, Pirates managed to defeat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the league season. They have collected seven wins and one draw from eight matches, leaving them one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand.

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