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]]>The Pirates coach cut an angry figure after the final whistle as tensions boiled over between the two benches following another bruising encounter.
Ouaddou later revealed his frustration was driven by concerns over the safety of his players after witnessing what he believed were dangerous tackles during the match.
“There is a difference between playing strong with physicality on the ball and trying to break players,” said Ouaddou.
“This is not my mentality and never will be mine, first as an educator before being a coach.”
The outspoken tactician referenced recent injuries suffered by his squad, including the injury to Tsepang Moremi during the Pirates’ clash against Kaizer Chiefs, which sidelined the player for two matches.
Ouaddou also pointed to an incident involving his goalkeeper after a late challenge, despite the ball already moving away from danger.
“We need to protect the players,” he said. “If someone cannot protect them in the middle of the pitch, then I have to protect them.”
The former Morocco international also stressed the importance of setting a positive example for younger supporters watching from the stands.
“We don’t have to forget that there are children in the stands,” he added. “We have to be an example. Football has to be a bridge, a model for the next generation.”
Despite the heated scenes, Ouaddou confirmed the matter was later resolved after speaking directly with the Durban City coach.
“We had a chat after the game, and everything is okay,” he explained. “He understood me and apologised. I congratulated him on the good game they played.”
Ouaddou, however, admitted Pirates must improve mentally when facing teams determined to disrupt their rhythm physically.
“We need to be more clever against these types of teams who come and kick you,” he concluded.
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]]>The post Surprise Selepe inclusion as Pirates gamble in title decider appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has surprisingly handed a start to youngster Simphiwe Selepe in one of the biggest matches of the season.
Selepe impressed towards the end of last campaign but has barely featured this season, making his inclusion a major talking point ahead of kick-off.
The Buccaneers know victory over Durban City will officially crown them Betway Premiership champions.
The young midfielder replaces experienced campaigner Makhehleni Makhaula and will partner Thalente Mbatha in midfield.
Pirates will rely on Patrick Maswanganyi to provide creativity in the number 10 role, while exciting trio Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma lead the attack.
At the back, Ouaddou has trusted his regular defensive core. Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi will partner Lebone Seema in central defence.
On the flanks, hardworking duo Deon Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele are expected to play key roles both defensively and going forward.
All eyes will now be on Selepe as Pirates gamble on youth with the league title on the line.
Some exciting news for the Buccaneers fans is the return from injury of speedy winger Tsepang Moremi. He starts on the bench against Durban City.
Moremi was injured in the hard battle against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby almost a month ago.
Pirates lineup (4-3-3): Chaine – Sebelebele, Hotto, Seema, Sibisi – Selepe, Mbatha, Maswanganyi – Appollis, Mofokeng, Mbuthuma
On the bench: Buthelezi, Chabatshane, Ndaba, Makhaula, Dansin, Mariko, Moremi, De Jong, Makgopa
Durban City lineup (4-3-2-1): Asare – Jalai, Mashego, Ncanana, Mkhize – Nodada, Jurgens, Poggoenpoel – Mokwena, Kamatuka – Lubumba
On the bench: Keet, Mahlangu, Gcaba, Goedeman, Koapeng, Domingo, Maarman, Sifumba, De Kock
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