Ouddou singles out two Pirates stars after defeating Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou singled out two of his players for special recognition following the team's dramatic MTN8 triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Buccaneers secured their place in a fourth consecutive final, winning a thrilling penalty shootout 4-1 after the aggregate score remained deadlocked at 2-2. The decisive second leg, which ended 1-1 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, was a testament to the team's resilience and individual brilliance.

The match started on a challenging note for Pirates. A determined Mamelodi Sundowns side, spurred on by their home support, took the lead through an early strike from Iqraam Rayners.

This goal put the Buccaneers on the back foot and left them trailing at halftime. However, Ouaddou's side refused to concede defeat. They returned to the pitch in the second half with renewed purpose, pressing high and creating several opportunities.

Their persistence paid off in the form of a crucial equalizer from midfielder Kamogelo Sebelebele. His goal, a moment of individual brilliance, not only brought the teams level but also shifted the momentum decisively in Pirates' favour.

Sebelebele's timely strike forced the game into a penalty shootout, where Pirates' composure shone through. The 4-1 victory from the spot was a collective effort, but Ouaddou's praise highlighted the significant contributions of Sebelebele for his game-changing goal and another player whose performance was instrumental in the win.

He also praised Sipho Chaine after his heroics in the penalty shootout.

‘I RESPECT THEM A LOT'

“It’s fantastic, he has been doing well,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.

“Like, I said he is a professional guy, well-educated, he came in Orlando Pirates to lift his level and to play the high-level football and he is showing it. But not only him, I’m happy with all my players, especially like I told I have to congratulate Sipho Chaine today.

“He was fantastic, but all of them even the players who were on the bench they were fantastic, the players who were on the stands, I respect them a lot and they gave a lot for the club so we have quite interesting players.”