Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains Why Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa Missed Orlando Pirates’ Loss

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa were omitted from the matchday squad to face Saint Eloi Lupopo
• The Moroccan tactician failed to guide the Soweto giants to the group stage of the CAF Champions League
• The Sea Robbers supporters also shared their views about the absence of Mbatha and Magkopa

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on the two key omissions from the Buccaneers squad that faced Saint Eloi Lupopo in the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Before the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, where Orlando Pirates faced the tough task of overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Saint Eloi Lupopo, two key players, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, were notable absentees from the matchday squad, with Relebohile Mofokeng and others ruled out due to injury.

Ouaddou explains Mbatha and Makgopa's omission

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Ouaddou explained that the decision to use a false nine was based on the opponent’s playing style and tactical setup. He said they anticipated that the opposing team would sit deep and defend in a low block, so they needed a player who could hold up the ball in tight spaces while also dragging defenders out of position.

He clarified that leaving Makgopa out was purely a tactical choice and part of the squad’s rotation strategy, given their busy schedule across multiple competitions.

The former Marumo Gallants coach's explanation sparked different reactions from Orlando Pirates fans on social media.

Churchman Mushe wrote:

"Take me back to June when Pirates fans laughed at Sundowns fans for celebrating performance against Dortmund now it's them they are celebrating Team spirit after getting knocked out by Lupopo fc🤣🤣🤦‍♂️"

Bongani Mgubela said:

"We didn't miss Mbatha & Makgopa. The team's performance was absolutely splendid. We were just unlucky not to progress to the group stage."

Bgiss Ndlovu shared:

"Next time he must understand that Shenko and Maswanganye can't play together cause they have same style of play there was no need to substitute Mbule if he was in need of new blood he was supposed to take of Maswanganye."

Celani Zondo reacted:

"Fans who understand football knows what was the coach doing and it worked as a pirates fan I'm happy keep surprising us coach you got football brains 🙌."

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Bheki Dlalisa commented:

"U did nothing wrong my coach don't give them explanation Hurd lucky to u and the boys we will try again next time the rivals fans have the rite to be happy well done Lupopo AmaKhosikazi FC for winning the CCL."

Zipho Zenkosi added

"That’s where we lost the game. Team selection was poor those senior players were going to make great impact, 4-0 was gonna be achievable if they were on the field."

Ouaddou speaks on Pirates' loss to Lupopo

Briefly News earlier reported that Ouaddou commented on Pirates' defeat against Lupopo in the return in South Africa.

The former Moroccan international shared his thoughts about blaming the players for the defeat.

Source: Briefly News