Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that his decision to deploy Deon Hotto at right-back against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby did not work as expected, taking full responsibility for the tactical gamble despite his team's important 2-1 victory.

Hotto, who is naturally more comfortable playing on the left side of defence, was selected ahead of Sihle Sigomoshe for the high-profile encounter. However, Pirates struggled to generate attacking momentum down the right flank during the first half, with the team missing the overlapping runs and attacking width usually provided by a natural right-back.

Explaining his decision after the match, Ouaddou revealed that Sigomoshe had performed well in previous games but ultimately opted for Hotto because of his experience and the need to deal with the opposition's attacking threat.

"A player who did well in previous games, Sigomoshe, until the last moment, I decided to put the experienced Hotto there, and because the opponent on his side is right footed, I thought it could work there to stop him and protect Sigomoshe," Ouaddou explained.

The Pirates coach also praised Sigomoshe for adapting well since joining the club from Milford. He suggested that protecting the young defender from the pressure of such a significant occasion influenced his selection decision.

However, the tactical arrangement failed to provide the attacking balance Pirates needed. Ouaddou recognised the problem and made changes at half-time, moving Hotto to his familiar left-back position while introducing Gamphani Lungu for Nkosikhona Ndaba to fill the right-back position.

The Moroccan tactician accepted that his initial plan had not delivered the desired results and indicated that he would review the decision with his technical team.

Despite the tactical setback, Pirates secured a valuable derby victory, extending their unbeaten Betway Premiership run to eight matches, with seven wins and one draw.

The Buccaneers are now just one point behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, having played a game fewer. Their impressive start puts them in a strong position as they continue their pursuit of the league title.

Source

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/betway-premiership/ouaddou-owns-up-to-hotto-gamble-at-right-back-after-pirates-win/