Orlando Pirates make history with fifth straight MTN8 Final

The result secured a 4-0 aggregate victory and sent the Buccaneers into a record fifth consecutive MTN8 final.

Pirates took a 1-0 lead into the second leg after winning in Polokwane, but showed their attacking intent from the start. Thapelo Mokobodi and Ghampani Lungu scored before half-time, while Kamogelo Sebelebele added a third in stoppage time to seal a convincing win.

The victory completed a hat-trick of wins over Babina Noko, following their first-leg success and a 2-0 league victory earlier in the week. Ouaddou says the plan was never simply to defend their advantage, especially after Sekhukhune adopted a more defensive approach.

"The boys did really well, good organisation, good discipline. Again, three goals, clean sheet from the boys. So if we take feedback of these three games, I think it was a successful mission. Well done, well done. Credit has to be given to them and we move on. I think game by game we are starting to improve. There are still some areas to work on, but a lot of positive today from the boys. Well done to them," said Ouaddou

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Pirates have had to reshape their attack following the departures of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, who both played influential roles as number 10s.

Ouaddou says their exits have forced the technical team to find new ways of progressing the ball through midfield. 

The Moroccan coach admits replacing players of Mofokeng and Maswanganyi’s quality has not been easy. However, he says their departures cannot become an excuse, with his responsibility being to develop the available players and build a new team identity.

Ouaddou says creating a side capable of competing for trophies takes time, particularly as he continues to introduce his ideas.

Ouaddou demands intensity and quick football, but says his philosophy is about more than playing at a high tempo. He wants Pirates to make good decisions and remain effective in every phase of the game.