Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has cautioned that passage to a fifth successive MTN8 final will prove no formality, insisting his side must find solutions if they are to dispatch Sekhukhune United in Saturday’s second leg.
Although Pirates lead 1-0 on aggregate in the semi-final tie and later prevailed 2-0 in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, Ouaddou judged the midweek display undeserving of victory and far inferior to the disciplined showing in the 1st-leg clash against Babina Noko.
Sekhukhune, deprived of the suspended Cedric Kaze, will be steered by assistant Paulus Masehe, who maintains that Pirates seldom alter their methods and that his players have lately grown in conviction.
“We had an interesting game in Polokwane in terms of organisation, discipline and fighting spirit. For me, we could have won 2-0 or 3-0,” Ouaddou said.
“I have to be honest, today [on Tuesday] we won and I am happy for the three points, but we didn’t deserve to win today. Sekhukhune were far better.
“I know that it won’t be easy to qualify for the final … if we don’t find solutions it will be very difficult.”
The side that wins on aggregate—or on penalties if the tie is still level after away goals, with no extra time—advances to the MTN8 final, while the loser is eliminated from the competition.
