Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his team owed its fans a return to the CAF Champions League group stage. He spoke after a 4-0 win over African Stars FC on Friday night.
The second leg was played at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Pirates had won the first leg 1-0 in Botswana, so they went through 5-0 on aggregate.
“Yes, you’re right, it was important for us to come back in the Champions League, you know, because we felt sorry for our fans last season,” Ouaddou told SABC Sport.
Pirates failed to reach the group stage in the previous campaign. Ouaddou said getting back there was one of the club’s targets for the season.
“I love to say a Champions League without Pirates, it’s not the same taste. So we come back, happy for the fans, happy for the club,” he said.
He was not fully happy with the first half, even though his side scored two goals before the break. He said the team did not control the game the way he wanted.
“Credit has to be given to the boys. We know that we had a difficult first half,” Ouaddou said. He added that the second half was “much, much better in terms of control.”
With the tie settled, the coach sent on several young players. He said they gained experience of the competition and played well.
“We managed to score again two goals. So and we managed to bring some young players as well to give them some experience of that competition. They did very well. I think it’s a positive,” he said.
Ouaddou kept urging his attackers forward even when the score was 4-0. He said he was most proud that his team scored four goals and did not concede.
He also spoke about the tricks some players showed on the ball. He said he had no problem with it as long as the team won well.
“Popo can make, can climb on the ball. Masilela can make showboating, you see, I don’t have any problem. But you need to score four goals,” Ouaddou said, referring to Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela.
The coach said the group stage would be a different test. “We know that it’s another competition, very physical and another type of football. And we will have to adapt,” he said.
Pirates now turn their attention to their next domestic cup match. The club will then wait for the CAF Champions League group stage draw.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Goal.com. Image: Goal.com. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.