Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has outlined the core principles his side need to uphold if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Betway Premiership title this season.
Pirates are currently third on the log with 29 points, three behind log leaders and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Games In Hand Keep Pirates Hopeful
While the Sea Robbers trail Sundowns, they still have two games in hand, which they could capitalise on to leapfrog the champions back to the top of the table.
However, Pirates have already faltered in that regard, failing to beat Sekhukhune United following a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Saturday, after Sundowns opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Magesi.
Ouaddou was not entirely fazed by the setback, arguing that Pirates’ fate remains firmly in their own hands. He added that the values they carry will be key to maintaining momentum after a strong finish to the year following a slow start.
“We managed to remain strong and dynamic since the start of the season. You’ll remember how we started and how we finished the season,” said Ouaddou ahead of their league clash against Magesi at the newly rebranded Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday night (6pm kick-off).
“We just need to keep a strong team spirit, unity and integrity. Everyone knows it is difficult to win a game because it doesn’t rely only on individual qualities. We need to look deeper: the effort and the team’s organisation.”
Focus Remains Internal Despite Sundowns Dominance
With Sundowns having won the last eight league titles in a row, they are once again considered the team to beat this season. Ouaddou, however, stressed that Pirates are focused on their own performances and log movement, rather than specific rivals.
“We have been focusing on ourselves since the start of the season. However, I won’t lie to you and say we are not looking at the log,” Ouaddou said.
“For us, it’s important to look at the areas we need to improve on and keep working. We are doing well. We are not focused on other teams, but on ourselves. We are looking at how we start games and how we finish them. We want to win them.
“The league is long, and I think it will finish around May, if I am not mistaken. We will count the points at the end of the season.”
Final Third Efficiency Key Area
While Sundowns have been rock-solid defensively - although that may be tested following the departure of Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire during the transfer window - Ouaddou pinpointed areas Pirates must improve on to function like a well-oiled machine.
“If there’s an area that we need to focus on more, it’s the final third,” Ouaddou said. “Maybe we need to be more efficient because we manage to create a lot of chances.
“If we look at the data, we create a lot of chances, but we are not efficient. So I think we need to improve in that area.”
Bet On Orlando Pirates In The Betway Premiership At SuperSportBet
Back Orlando Pirates in their pursuit of Betway Premiership glory and place your bets with confidence at SuperSportBet, your home for competitive odds and exciting football markets.
