The Pirates coach revealed that he had attempted to surprise Chiefs by deploying the experienced Hotto at right-back, but admitted the experiment was unsuccessful and had to be abandoned.

“When I told you about a surprise it was Hotto at right-back, but I cannot tell you that it was successful,” Ouaddou said.

“He has experience, he has played left-back. We said maybe as a right-back we were looking for a solution, but I think it was not successful. That’s why we changed after.”

Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi secured the derby victory, but Ouaddou also used the opportunity to defend his approach amid continued scrutiny of his tactical decisions this season.

The French-Moroccan coach insisted that effectiveness, resilience and a willingness to fight were central to the identity he wanted to establish at Pirates.

“Sometimes we’re able to play good football, sometimes not. But sometimes you cannot oppress us is the fighting spirit, the solidity and to score goals, but again with a lot of humility,” he said.

He also appeared frustrated by those questioning his methods, suggesting some aspects of the game could only be fully appreciated through experience at the highest level.

“Sometimes people are judging but please let me do my work,” Ouaddou added.