Abdeslam Ouaddou pleased as Andre De Jong, Daniel Msendami make Orlando Pirates debuts

Ouaddou introduced both players during the second half at the Orlando Amstel Arena, marking their first appearances since joining Pirates in the January transfer window.

De Jong arrived from Stellenbosch, while Msendami made the move from Marumo Gallants. Another January signing from Gallants, Mpho Chabatsane, was named on the bench but remained an unused substitute.

De Jong replaced Tshegofatso Mbuthuma, while Msendami came on for Thabang Moremi as Pirates comfortably secured all three points.

"It was part of the plan to give them game time," Ouaddou said during his post-match press conference in Soweto.

"It was the right moment to show them to the fans and give them the opportunity to play in our stadium. They did well.

"It's not easy to arrive at a new club and integrate quickly, but I think they handled it well. The time they were given, they used it properly. For us, it gives a lot of hope for the future."

While pleased with the result, the Moroccan coach admitted his side could have been more ruthless in front of goal.

"We really wanted to win this game, especially for our first home match of the season," he said.

"The quality of our football, from build-up to progression and finishing, was really interesting. I must give credit to the players, particularly for the way they counter-pressed with energy.

"If I'm being a bit tough, we could have been more efficient in the final third. We should have scored two or three more goals."

Ouaddou also clarified the absence of Sipho Mbule and Evidence Makgopa from the match-day squad, stressing it was purely a tactical decision.

"It was about the profile of the opponent," he explained.

"With so many matches coming up and games every three days, managing the players' workload is very important."