Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that his decision to play Deon Hotto at right-back against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby did not work as planned. The coach has accepted responsibility for the tactical choice, making it clear that the players should not be blamed for what happened during the match.

Hotto, who is naturally a left-sided player, was selected ahead of Sihle Sigomoshe for the important derby. However, Pirates struggled to create attacking opportunities down the right flank, with the team missing the forward runs normally provided by a natural right-back.

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou explained that he understood the pressure that came with making such an important selection, especially in a game watched by thousands of supporters. He insisted that the decision was his and that he had to accept responsibility when his plan failed.

Ouaddou revealed that Sigomoshe had been performing well in the matches leading up to the derby. However, he eventually decided to use the experience of Hotto because he believed the decision would help the team deal with the threat from the opposition on that side.

"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 said.

The Pirates coach also praised Sigomoshe for the way he had adapted to life at the club after joining from Milford. He explained that he did not want to expose the player to unnecessary pressure in a match as important as the Soweto Derby.

However, the decision did not produce the attacking balance Ouaddou wanted. Pirates lacked width on the right and struggled to get players making runs behind the opposition's defence.

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

Ouaddou admitted that his decision had not helped the team in the first half and said he would review it with his technical staff. He also acknowledged that coaches make mistakes and must be willing to accept them.

Despite the tactical challenge, Pirates managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs. The result extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches, consisting of seven wins and one draw.

Pirates are now just one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns, with a game in hand, as they continue their strong start to the league campaign.

Source: IDiskiTimes