Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why Oswin Appollis did not start in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. The match, held on 10 October, ended in a 2-0 victory for Sundowns. Ouaddou stated that Appollis was rested for the final as part of a strategic decision. The coach emphasized the importance of managing player workload throughout the tournament.
Appollis, a key player for Pirates, had been part of the starting lineup in previous matches. However, Ouaddou opted to keep him on the bench to ensure he remained fresh for the final. The decision was made in consultation with the team’s medical staff. The coach also noted that the team’s focus was on maintaining consistency across all matches.
This is the second consecutive final loss for Orlando Pirates, following their defeat in the 2023 MTN8 final. The team is now looking to rebuild and regroup ahead of the next competition. Ouaddou has called for a strong response from the squad, emphasizing the need for resilience and unity. The club will assess player performance and make adjustments for future matches.
