Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has vowed his side will fight “with sweat and blood” to ensure they win the Betway Premiership title this season.
Pirates currently sit top of the Premiership standings with 47 points, level with second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who trail on goal difference.
Given that Sundowns have won the last eight league titles in a row, they remain the team to beat heading into the final 10 games of the season. But Ouaddou wants his side to rewrite the history books and finally go one step further after finishing as runners-up in the last three campaigns.
Grinding Out Results
The Sea Robbers appear fully aware that they will not always be at their best in the remaining matches, especially with fatigue starting to creep in, but they know they must continue grinding out results.
They did just that in their last two games, beating Polokwane City FC 2-1 and Richards Bay FC 2-0 away and at home respectively.
Ouaddou admitted he was not entirely satisfied with the team’s overall performance against Richards Bay on Wednesday night, but praised their fighting spirit.
“I want to congratulate the boys for the character and personality that they showed,” Ouaddou said.
“Let’s take some positives from the game. Even though we didn’t have full control, we kept another clean sheet and scored two goals.
“So I just want to keep the positives. We still have 10 games, and we are going until the last minute. We are going to die on the pitch.”
Tactical Challenges Despite Squad Depth
Blessed with a wealth of talent and squad depth, Pirates are often expected to outplay most opponents. However, Ouaddou stressed that this is not always straightforward, particularly against well-organised teams like Richards Bay.
“Sometimes when you have too much talent, you want to get the ball and control the game through possession,” Ouaddou explained.
“But when you play against a team that defends very well, it becomes difficult.”
“Tactically they were good. You saw most of the goals they scored in the PSL, especially in the last game against Kaizer Chiefs, and how they finished. So you need to be disciplined in your counter-pressing.”
Maintaining Balance in Attack and Defence
Despite their attacking ambitions, Ouaddou has urged his players to maintain their structure, particularly when committing numbers forward, as opponents often look to exploit transitions.
“You have to find the balance between trying to unsettle the opponent and, at the same time, being careful not to be punished on the transition,” Ouaddou said.
“In that area, I think I really need to congratulate the boys because our defence was very good [against Richards Bay]. Top, top. So I want to congratulate them again.”
Focus Shifts to Siwelele Clash
Pirates will look to continue their winning momentum and improve their performances when they host Siwelele at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday (3.30pm).
It is a match the Buccaneers will be desperate to win, as victory could give them both a numerical and psychological advantage over Sundowns, who will be occupied with continental commitments this weekend.
