Abdeslam Ouaddou credits tactical changes for MTN8 final success over Stellenbosch

The two teams were locked in a goalless draw after 90 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday untilTshepang Moremi broke the deadlock just two minutes into extra-time.

Tshegofatso Mabasa then added a second goal with 103 minutes played, before Moremi wrapped up the game with his second goal after 110 minutes.

While Oswin Appollis, who had come on for Sipho Mbule on the hour mark, contributed with two assists, Moremi replaced Thabiso Lebitso and Mabasa came on for Evidence Makgopa with 74 minutes on the clock.

After starting his tenure with two defeats, Bucs head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was criticised for his lack of tactical acumen, but hit back after guiding his side a record fourth successive MTN8 title.

He said on iDiski Times: "We had to go to extra-time and we completely changed the plan quickly with my staff, trying to find space on the sides, so we brought some pace on the sides, who were able to make the difference and bring crosses.

"We brought in Mabasa, we know him as a player in the box, he's not someone to make all the pressing like Makgopa, it's a kind of player that needs to be served by good players.

"So we decided to bring Moremi, Appollis and it worked [to get the win] and it doesn't mean I am a better coach than two months ago, I think maybe I'm still a plumber or carpenter for many people, I don't think myself better than Steve Barker.

"I have huge respect for the coach, a very good coach and a very interesting team of Stellenbosch, it's a very stable, professional club for a long time and we're happy to have won this trophy."

Pirates are next in action in the first preliminary round of the Champions League against Lioli FC on Saturday.