Beyond the long ball: Why Mamelodi Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso’s claims of ‘route one football’ underrate Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates and how the Orbit College clash can silence the doubts

Post-match interviews often reveal as much about a coach’s emotional state as they do about tactical realities. Cardoso’s comments came in the heat of disappointment, with Mamelodi Sundowns’ frustrations still raw.  

It’s a familiar tactic - deflecting blame onto the opposition by questioning their style of play. While his words grabbed headlines, they risked oversimplifying the bigger picture. Pirates did use direct balls at times, yes, but that was part of a calculated plan, not a default identity. 

Pirates are not yet the finished article under Ouaddou. With so many fresh faces in the squad, the patterns of play are understandably uneven. What some may call “long ball football” can also be seen as pragmatism - a coach recognising that fluid, intricate passing takes time to develop. 

In these early stages, mixing direct play with short build-up is about securing results while the team gels. To ignore that context is to miss the process Pirates are working through.   

A closer look at Pirates’ recent games shows a side attempting to evolve. Their midfield transitions have been quicker, their wide players more involved and their willingness to recycle possession more evident.  

Yes, there are long passes, but they’re often aimed at exploiting spaces behind defences rather than simply bypassing the midfield. Against Sundowns, that approach paid dividends, with movement off the ball creating chances that didn’t rely solely on “hoof and hope.”

Now comes the chance to silence the critics. Hosting Orbit College, Pirates will be expected not just to win but to win convincingly. It’s an opportunity for Ouaddou to display tactical variation, blending patience in possession with incisive attacking play.   

With Monnapule Saleng, Thuso Moleleki and Yanga Madiba unable to feature against their parent club, Pirates should dominate proceedings. If they can dictate tempo, keep the ball moving and carve Orbit open with intelligent sequences, the “long ball” label could quickly look outdated.

In modern football, style is as scrutinised as results. For a club like Orlando Pirates, expectations stretch beyond simply winning matches - the manner of victory matters. That’s why Cardoso’s accusations cut deeper than most.  

Ouaddou knows he must shape not only a winning side but also one that fans and pundits recognise as playing with ambition and intent. If Pirates can use games like the Orbit clash as stepping stones, their identity will soon speak louder than any rival coach’s critique. 

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