Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto has given full credit to Siwelele FC, praising their tactical setup following the Buccaneers’ hard-fought 1-0 victory in the opening round of the Carling Knockout.
The encounter at Orlando Stadium was a tense, gritty affair. While Pirates enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and created numerous chances, they consistently struggled to break down Siwelele’s resolute defence.
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The match seemed destined for extra-time until Pirates captain Mbekezile Mbokazi produced a moment of magic.
Mbokazi intercepted a Siwelele attack, then unleashed a powerful, long-range strike that finally beat goalkeeper Samkelo Xulu in the 87th minute. The late winner secured the Soweto giants’ passage into the quarter-finals.
Siwelele’s Defensive Game Plan
Speaking to the club’s media team, Hotto acknowledged that Siwelele, led by coach Lehlohonolo Seema, had done their homework and executed their strategy well.
“It was a tactical game,” Hotto said. “Coach Lehlohonolo Seema came with [striker] Samir Nurkovic up top. We knew they would play long balls and fight for the second ball.”
The Namibian international admitted that Siwelele’s defensive structure significantly hampered Pirates’ usual style of play, which relies heavily on using the flanks.
“They did their homework, they closed us on the outside, and we had to go through the middle. It was difficult,” Hotto acknowledged.
Ultimately, it was the need to switch their point of attack that paid dividends. The match-winning goal was a perfect illustration of this, forcing the team to find an alternative route to goal.
“The goal we scored came from Mbokazi going through the middle, and it was a very nice shot,” Hotto concluded, relieved that despite the struggles, they achieved their primary objective: “For us, what’s important is that we’re through to the quarter-finals.”
Quarter-Final Challenge Awaits
The victory means Ouaddou’s side, currently sitting third on the Betway Premiership standings behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Their next challenge will be against Magesi, who dispatched AmaZulu 3-2 at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.