{
  "id": 8204734,
  "title": "Pirates coach unhappy with first half performance against City",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/pirates-coach-unhappy-with-first-half-performance-against-city",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T08:20:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/local-soccer/pirates-coach-unhappy-with-first-half-performance-against-city/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed dissatisfaction with the team's first-half performance in their match against Sekhukhune United, despite securing a 2-0 victory. The win, achieved through goals from Lebone Seema and Tshepang Moremi, narrowed the gap between Pirates and league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to four points, as Pirates now boast two games in hand over the Brazilians. Upon reflecting on the game, Ouaddou admitted that they were taken aback by the aggressive nature of Sekhukhune United's back five. Ouaddou attributed their improved performance in the second half to tactical adjustments, praising the team's forward play and efficient set-pieces. He highlighted Sipho Chaine's crucial save as a key factor in preventing a more lopsided scoreline. As Pirates prepare to face Marumo Gallants away at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, they aim to further reduce the gap to Sundowns and close the gap to one point before the FIFA international break.",
  "summary": "Ouaddou admitted that they were lucky to go into the half-time break without conceding at least two goals.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou unhappy with first-half performance against Sekhukhune United.",
    "Pirates secured 2-0 win with goals from Lebone Seema and Tshepang Moremi.",
    "Ouaddou praised team's second-half performance and Sipho Chaine's crucial save."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}