In a tense MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC were locked in a goalless draw through regular time.
That being said, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s strategic adjustments in extra-time proved decisive. Only two minutes into the added period, substitute Tshepang Moremi broke the stalemate with a clinical finish.
Tshegofatso Mabasa followed up with a second goal in the 103rd minute, before Moremi sealed the victory with his brace in the 110th minute, securing a 3–0 win and Ouaddou’s first trophy as Pirates coach
Read: Abdeslam Ouaddou responds to critics after Pirates MTN8 win
While Oswin Appollis, who had come on for Sipho Mbule on the hour mark, contributed with two assists, Moremi replaced Thabiso Lebitso and Mabasa came on for Evidence Makgopa with 74 minutes on the clock.
After starting his tenure with two defeats, Bucs head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was criticised for his lack of tactical acumen, but hit back after guiding his side a record fourth successive MTN8 title.
He said on iDiski Times: “We had to go to extra-time and we completely changed the plan quickly with my staff, trying to find space on the sides, so we brought some pace on the sides, who were able to make the difference and bring crosses.
“We brought in Mabasa, we know him as a player in the box, he’s not someone to make all the pressing like Makgopa, it’s a kind of player that needs to be served by good players.
“So we decided to bring Moremi, Appollis and it worked [to get the win] and it doesn’t mean I am a better coach than two months ago, I think maybe I’m still a plumber or carpenter for many people, I don’t think myself better than Steve Barker.
“I have huge respect for the coach, a very good coach and a very interesting team of Stellenbosch, it’s a very stable, professional club for a long time and we’re happy to have won this trophy.”
Pirates are next in action in the first preliminary round of the Champions League against Lioli FC on Saturday.