Ouaddou explains why Appollis did not start in Pirates' MTN8 final defeat

The Buccaneers were unable to extend their run of four consecutive titles as Teboho Mokoena put Sundowns ahead in the first half at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium before Iqraam Rayners converted a late penalty to secure the trophy.

Appollis, who had impressed for Bafana Bafana during the international break, entered the match at half-time after Kamogelo Sebelebele was forced off through injury. However, Pirates struggled to find a way back into the contest after falling behind early.

Ouaddou said his decision was based on a tactical plan that he hoped would allow the 25-year-old to make a decisive contribution later in the match.

"He's one of the best players in the country, in our team as well," the Pirates coach said.

"But when you are playing a game, you have a strategy. You can play in different phases. You have to think and anticipate what could happen in the second half.

"You know how I work. I have a starting XI all the time, but I also have impact players. Today, he was part of the impact players, somebody who can change the game."

The Moroccan coach had reason to believe the approach could work, given Appollis' contribution to last season's MTN8 final victory over Stellenbosch. The winger came off the bench in that match and provided two assists in extra time as Pirates won 3-0.

Ouaddou hoped for a similar outcome this time, but Sundowns' early goal forced his side to chase the match, making the task more difficult.

"Oswin is a fantastic player, he is very important for us, but today we took the decision to bring him in as an impact player," he added.

The defeat ends Pirates' bid for a fifth successive MTN8 crown, leaving Ouaddou and his players to turn their attention to the remaining competitions, with the Carling Knockout Cup getting underway on Wednesday.