Sundowns end Pirates’ MTN8 reign; Ouaddou explains Appollis benching

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said he benched influential attacker Oswin Appollis in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns as part of a plan to use him as an impact substitute, drawing on his contribution off the bench in last season’s final. Appollis came on at halftime for the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele, but Sundowns’ early lead forced Pirates to chase the match, limiting his chance to change its course. Sundowns won 2–0, ending Pirates’ four-year hold on the cup.