Ouaddou: Smart approach key to outsmarting Sundowns in crucial semifinal

Ouaddou: Smart approach key to outsmarting Sundowns in crucial semifinal

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is predicting a very tricky game for both teams when they come up against Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial MTN8 second leg semifinal at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville this afternoon.

Making this game even more interesting is the 1-1 scoreline from Orlando Stadium last weekend, and it forces both coaches to think deeply about their tactical approaches for this encounter.

Ouaddou says this game needs a smart approach.

"It's tricky for both teams, like I told you, you have to be very smart, very clever about the approach of the game, so it will be interesting to see how the two teams will approach that game. Of course we cannot give you our plan now but what I can tell you, it will be a very interesting game for both sides," Ouaddou said.

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In the last two games, Ouaddou has started to resemble the starting lineup from last season, with some of the core players coming back.

After a slow start, the former Moroccan international believes that they are starting to find their rhythm.

"Look, we have talented players we have good players and we are not trying to find a good formula, I told you that we have a big squad and everybody is important for our squad,” the coach added. 

“Every player who has a chance to represent Pirates, do it for the badge and it's what the guys did on Wednesday night, the guys that had the chance to be on the pitch. I was very happy about the commitment, about the evolvement on the pitch so they are the one as well when they get a chance to come, they need to perform for Orlando Pirates."