Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that some of his tactical decisions put his team under unnecessary pressure during the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The encounter attracted significant attention from South African football supporters, with both Soweto giants determined to deliver a strong performance against their bitter rivals. However, Pirates experienced a difficult opening period as Chiefs took advantage of the situation to challenge the Buccaneers.

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou openly accepted responsibility for his tactical approach, admitting that his attempt to surprise Chiefs did not work as he had expected. The Pirates coach acknowledged that his decisions contributed to his team’s struggles during the first half.

According to Ouaddou, his tactical adjustments were not entirely successful, leaving Pirates in a challenging position during an important fixture.

“I tried to surprise the opponent, making some tactical choices that were not spot on. I think Coach Ouaddou put his team in trouble in the first half,” he admitted.

The coach further acknowledged that his decisions could have had serious consequences for the Buccaneers.

“I could have cost the game, but sometimes you have to be honest to see it,” Ouaddou explained.

Despite the difficulties, Pirates managed to reach half-time with the score level at 1-1, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to reassess their approach.

Ouaddou revealed that the break was crucial for making tactical adjustments and introducing changes to the team. The aim was to improve Pirates’ performance and address the problems that had emerged during the opening 45 minutes.

His admission offers an insight into the pressure managers face when preparing for high-stakes matches, particularly the Soweto Derby, where supporters expect nothing less than a determined performance.

For Orlando Pirates fans, Ouaddou’s comments could spark further debate about his tactical decisions and the team’s overall display against Kaizer Chiefs.

Nevertheless, his willingness to acknowledge his mistakes demonstrates an acceptance of responsibility. Whether the lessons learned from the derby will influence Pirates’ performances in upcoming matches remains to be seen.

What do you think of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s admission? Was he right to experiment tactically in such an important match, or should he have stuck with a more familiar approach against Kaizer Chiefs? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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