Ouaddou Points Out Set Plays as Key Growth Opportunity for Pirates

Ouaddou Identifies Set Pieces as a Significant Area of Focus

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has pinpointed set pieces as a critical concern following his team's defeat to Bolton Wanderers, where both goals conceded derived from dead-ball scenarios during their pre-season tour in Spain.

Set-Piece Vulnerabilities Exposed

In the 38th minute, Bolton Wanderers opened the scoring when George Thomason headed a set piece to set up Charlie Warren for a finish past goalkeeping option Sipho Chaine. The English side extended their lead in the 63rd minute, converting from a corner with George Johnston heading the ball home at the far post.

Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi seemed to be caught off guard, with his protests for an obstruction being dismissed.

Ouaddou recognized this as a recurrent issue, recalling how his previous team, Marumo Gallants, successfully exploited Pirates’ weaknesses during set plays last season.

“When I played against them with my previous team [Marumo Gallants], it’s an area that we wanted to put the team in trouble, and we succeeded,” he stated, reflecting on Gallants’ victory over Pirates in past encounters.

He emphasized the necessity for immediate improvements, saying, “Defending set pieces is an art while in the box, and we have to improve on that. I’m confident that we will see positive developments in this area. There are many positives to take from our performance as well.”

Set pieces were also a factor in Pirates’ previous season during the CAF Champions League semi-final second-leg against Pyramids, where they suffered a 3-2 defeat despite having led twice, primarily due to their struggles in clearing dead-ball threats.

Coaching Philosophy on Player Rotation

Pirates executed a complete lineup change at halftime, granting more players valuable experience, which led to a decline in their attacking efforts compared to the first half, thereby allowing Bolton to capitalize effectively.

Ouaddou clarified the logic behind such extensive rotation, underscoring the significance of squad depth and overall preparedness. “With many games ahead, I want every player involved. Everyone is essential in our team,” he stated. “We emphasized that players should be ready when the staff or the club calls on them.”

He further added, “This approach in our camp is fundamental. Once we return to Johannesburg, we will reassess. We aim for all our players to have equitable playtime.”