Abdeslam Ouaddou on Nkosinathi Sibisi
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explains on why he introduced Nkosinathi Sibisi in the last 15th minute . Orlando Pirates are the champions of the Carling Knockout Cup after beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 on Saturday evening at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane . In the first 20th minute in the game , Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula got the yellow card . In the first half both teams created chances to score .
Washington Arubi made a mistake in the first half ; but Evidence Makgopa failed to take advantage . In the first half both teams were too cautious not to concede , Orlando Pirates were rushing when they got the ball . Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente both tried to score in the half, but Washington Arubi was good on the day . In the second half in the 46th minute Evidence Makgopa header saved by Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi .
In the first half Marumo Gallants were struggling to defend corner kicks , Sesane , Makgopa and Mbokazi managed to get the ball with the header although they did not score . In the second half both coaches made changes; Marumo Gallants replaced Bheki Mabuza for Daniel Msendami . In the 62 minute , Masindi Nemtajela received a yellow card for holding Katlego Otladisa . Christopher Sithole replaced by Mphambaniso . Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou also made changes ; Makhehlene Makhaula replaced by Tshepang Moremi , Nkosikhona Ndaba replaced by Deon Hotto , Evidence Makgopa replaced by Yanela Mbuthuma .
Thalente Mbatha replaced by Sipho Mbule .Thabiso Lebitso received a yellow card in the 90+4 minutes after fouling Katlego Otladisa . Marumo Gallants will suffer in their next match after Washington Arubi got a yellow card in the 90+4 minutes , he will miss the next match . The only goal in the match came from Relebohile Mofokeng after extra time . Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis was voted as player of the match .
Speaking on Supersport TV Appollis said " I'm happy for the boys we fought today . It wasn't my best game but thanks to the fans . I don't think I deserved it today but thanks to the fans " . Abdeslam Ouaddou said " We wanted to give our fans a gift . I just told the boys to keep playing , try to find spaces . It wasn't easy but atleast we found spaces in the second half " . On Nkosinathi Sibisi Abdeslam Ouaddou said " we had 15 minutes left , its a cup game . The important thing to me was to close the shop . We cannot bring the strike to score the goal . It was a tactical adjustment " .