Ouaddou questions Old Peter Mokaba Stadium pitch conditions

The playing surface at the venue has been under scrutiny for some time, with concerns over player safety and injuries, and little visible improvement despite ongoing complaints. 

Ouaddou questioned why matches could not instead be played at the nearby 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, which is widely regarded as having one of the best pitches in the country...

"The only thing that I can say that is a bit disappointing is that we didn't play in the stadium next to this one because the PSL is the best league in Africa and I think when we play such a professional game, we need to put the players in the right condition.

"You know, today I think the pitch didn't allow us to play properly. We could've picked up some injuries and I don't think it's good for the football and it's not good for the fans. The pitch didn't allow us to play nice football for our fans."

READ: Sundowns coach calls for PSL reflection following disputed calls

Despite creating numerous chances, Pirates were wasteful in front of goal. 

The Buccaneers registered 31 shots, 12 on target and an expected goals tally of 3.11 (xGs) but managed to score only twice. 

Ouaddou admits his side must be more clinical going forward...

"We can here to Polokwane to collect all three points and to keep our ambition going. Congratulations to the boys because it was not an easy game especially against this strong side. We know that in terms of physicality, Polokwane City are very strong and they play direct football whilst being very compact.

"Unfortunately we were not efficient in the box and in terms of shots I think we had 31 shots. If we want to be more ambitious, we'll have to be more clinical in the last third."

Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis walked away with the man of the match award after another impressive display, following his standout performance in the Soweto Derby over the weekend. 

Ouaddou says he hopes the winger can continue building on his current form.

Another major talking point from the match was the referee, Luxolo Badi, overturning his initial decision to award Pirates a penalty. 

Ouaddou also shared his thoughts on that controversial moment after the game...

"It's very difficult to see in the image because when I look at it, it seems like the ball touched the chest and then hit the hand, but I would like to put myself in the shoes of the referee. It's not easy. The action is too fast to see and I don't want to blame anyone."