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Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu explains decision to keep Oswin Apollo on the bench in MTN8 final
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Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu explains decision to keep Oswin Apollo on the bench in MTN8 final

The Mamelodi Sundowns team and players celebrated their victory in the MTN8 final over Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates coach, Abdelslam Waddu, explained the reason why Oswin Apollo was kept on the bench during the defeat in the MTN8 final against fierce rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday evening.

MTN8 Final

Pirates lost their four-year run in the MTN8 tournament, losing to Sundowns 2-0 at the fully packed Moses Mabhida Stadium. Tebogo Mokoeona scored the goal for the Brazilians in the first half, and Ikraam Reiner sealed the match with a penalty.

Despite the team being considered an underdog on paper due to its young squad with new faces, Waddu expected to start the game with his best players. Instead, he kept the PSL Player of the Year and Bafana Bafana international, Apollo, on the bench.

The forward came onto the field in the middle of the second half to replace the injured Kamogelo Selebelele. However, since Sundowns controlled the game and stabilized the midfield thanks to the entry of Thabo Sele, it was difficult for Apollo to change the course of the match in favor of his team.

Abdelslam Waddu commented on Apollo: 'He is one of the best players in the country, and in our team too.' He continued: 'But when you are playing in a cup final, you have a strategy. You can play in different phases. You need to think and anticipate what might happen in the second half.'

Waddu recalled that last season, when Apollo and Tshepang Moremi came on as substitutes to win the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch in extra time at Mbombela Stadium, he hoped Apollo would once again act as the trump card.

'We planned to bring him on quickly in the second half. We did that last year (and it worked). You know how I work: I have a starting lineup and players who can make an impact, and today he was part of those impactful players,' Waddu added. 'He is the one who can change the match, especially because we conceded first and were chasing the game. Oswin is a fantastic and important player for us. But today we decided that he should make an impact to change the match.'

Pirates cannot afford to dwell on the defeat. They need to recover quickly and focus on defending the remaining trophies, including the Carlin Knockout Cup, which starts on Wednesday.

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Pitsa Mosimane highly praised Relebokhile Mofokeng and Oswin Apollos after Bafana Bafana's 5-0 victory over Eritrea
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Pitsa Mosimane highly praised Relebokhile Mofokeng and Oswin Apollos after Bafana Bafana's 5-0 victory over Eritrea

The coach of the Bafana Bafana national team, Pitsa Mosimane, expressed high praise for Oswin Apollos for his impressive performance during the team's convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday evening. He also called Relebokhile Mofokeng a top-class player.

Bafana Bafana

Relebokhile Mofokeng became a central figure in Bafana Bafana's bright victory over Eritrea. Previously, Mosimane had criticized Apollos after the match against Guinea, stating that the player needed to contribute more to the team's defensive actions and not play exclusively in his usual style at Orlando Pirates.

However, in the second qualifying match against Eritrea, held at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Apollos demonstrated one of his best performances for Bafana, playing with composure and showing strong connection with his teammates. He provided an assist to Mofokeng and was involved in the scoring by Ikraam Reyners and Luther Singa.

Mosimane noted his satisfaction with Apollos's game, stating: 'I am satisfied with three assists from Apollos. He can play anywhere—on the flanks, cutting inside, and all that.'

The coach added that Apollos is a good player and helped Luther Singa get an opportunity for a strong return after a long absence.

Singa, who returned to the Bafana squad after a five-year break, effectively utilized his time, quickly forming combinations with the rest of the attacking line. Mosimane emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting: 'Even Luther scored two good goals, which shows that the players are united and there is no selfishness. It is all about teamwork.'

The evening belonged to Mofokeng. The young forward showed his maturity, applying valuable skills gained at the club level with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the national team. Mofokeng first capitalized on an assist from Apollos early in the first half to score the first goal from close range. He then completed a brace with his characteristic calm and skill, beating defenders before sending the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Sultana.

In conclusion, Mosimane stated: 'Rele showed his class. What class. Rele is a top player!' Shephelo Sithole and Ikraam Reyners were also involved in the scoring. Mosimane hopes that the team will continue this successful run in the upcoming friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

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