Abdeslam Ouaddou talks about why he chose to start with Sinoxolo Kwayiba against Richards Bay FC! | OneFootball

The Moroccan has his own reasons.

Abdeslam Ouaddou talks about why he chose to start with Sinoxolo Kwayiba against Richards Bay FC!

After the match ended, Orlando Pirates qualified for the final of the Carling Knockout Cup after defeating Richards Bay FC 1-0, making it their second final this season after winning the MTN8 Cup title.

In a strategic move that surprised many, coach Ouaddou once again demonstrated his knack for unlocking potential in unexpected places. The spotlight fell on midfielder Kwayiba, a player who had spent most of the season on the periphery, with a mere three appearances to his name. As the Pirates clung to a fragile 1-0 lead against the Natal Rich Boyz, the game hung in the balance, a single goal away from slipping from their grasp.

It was in this tense, pivotal moment that Ouaddou’s faith manifested. In the 68th minute, he summoned Kwayiba from the bench, substituting striker Yanela Mbuthuma. This change, part of a double substitution that also saw the introduction of left-back Dion Hotto, was a calculated decision to secure the result. While fans might have anticipated a more attacking swap, the coach had a different, more insightful plan.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, Ouaddou revealed the reasoning behind his masterstroke. He explained that while the initial aim was to inject fresh energy into the team, a tactical observation prompted the specific choice of Kwayiba. The coaching staff had noticed Richards Bay's central defenders were aggressively carrying the ball forward, attempting to pierce through their defensive lines. They needed a specific weapon to counter this threat—a player with the tenacity and discipline to disrupt their rhythm.

"People might not have expected Kwayiba," Ouaddou admitted, "but we needed someone to apply intense pressure in that specific area. He was tasked with shutting down their build-up play, and I must say, he executed his role perfectly." This show of confidence was rewarded, as Kwayiba stepped onto the field and delivered a performance that was both crucial and commendable, helping his team see out the narrow victory.