Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has accepted responsibility for his decision to deploy Deon Hotto at right-back during the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, admitting that the tactical experiment did not produce the expected results.

Despite Pirates securing a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals, Ouaddou acknowledged that his selection raised questions, particularly because Hotto is naturally more comfortable playing on the left side of the pitch. The coach explained that he had considered starting Sihle Sigomoshe, who had impressed in previous matches, but ultimately opted for Hotto because of his experience and the pressure associated with such an important fixture.

Ouaddou said he was concerned about the attacking threat Chiefs could create on that side of the pitch. He believed Hotto's experience would help contain the opposition while also protecting Sigomoshe from the intense pressure of making his Soweto Derby appearance in such a demanding environment.

Explaining his decision after the match, the Pirates coach made it clear that the responsibility rested entirely with him rather than the players.

"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.

However, the decision did not deliver the attacking contribution he had anticipated. Pirates struggled to generate sufficient width from the right flank, while the team lacked the forward runs needed to stretch the Chiefs defence.

Ouaddou admitted that the performance highlighted the importance of having natural full-backs in his system, particularly because they provide width and support attacking movements.

He responded to the situation at half-time by moving Hotto to left-back and introducing Gamphani Lungu for Nkosikhona Ndaba, with Lungu taking responsibility at right-back.

The coach also praised Sigomoshe for adapting quickly since joining Pirates from Milford, maintaining that his previous performances had been encouraging.

Ouaddou acknowledged that he would review the tactical decision with his technical team, accepting that mistakes are part of football management.

Nevertheless, Pirates emerged victorious and maintained their unbeaten league record. They have collected seven wins and one draw from eight matches, leaving them one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand.

Source:

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