Orlando Pirates coach’s tactical switch highlights the value of multifunctional players

Ouaddou introduced the offensive duo of Sipho Mbule in the midfield and pacey winger Oswin Appollis. Sebelebele switched from left wing to Deano van Rooyen’s right-wing position. 

These changes brought the Bucs back to life, and Sebelebele’s multifunctional role was evident when he scored the equaliser. 

This is a trait that Ouaddou says modern football demands from players.

"I want to say that in modern football now, a lot of players do lots of rotation in many positions and I think as a player you need to be able to play at least two positions. It's very important to give solution today coach, as today [on Saturday] Sebelebele gave me that opportunity because I knew that he can be efficient in that position," Ouaddou said.

"I was looking for somebody who'll be able to take this challenge and bring some crosses but in the same time to be good defensively and give all his power in attacking and the last third. 

"Sometimes it works, like today it worked, sometimes it cannot work, so we are happy that he brought something. It doesn't mean that I did a fantastic choice, I just had this feeling, it worked today, maybe another day it will not work and people will say it was not a good substitution or good change but today it worked, I'm happy."

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With Tito Maswanganyi also subbed, Ouaddou moved Relebohile Mofokeng to the no.10 role, and the Buccaneers started regaining their form.

Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa started a game for the first time this season for Pirates, and he gave a lot of options for the team in the attack. 

Ouaddou acknowledged that the lanky striker could have been more effective if he had some support and not being forced to drop deep and fetch the ball.

"Yes, Makgopa had a great performance, I was happy with what I have seen, like all his teammates, I think they showed great character. I think we had some players just behind him, maybe they could have been closer to him in order to feed him in the last third but we made this change on the side, to bring some peace on the side," the coach explained. 

"I think it worked because the goal came from the combination from the side with Sebelebele but I agree with you that maybe if we had a player closer to him to feed him maybe he could have been more efficient."