Following a frustrating 2-2 draw against Richards Bay FC at Richards Bay Stadium last Friday, Pirates missed the chance to climb to the top of the Betway Premiership standings — a setback that could prove decisive in the closing stages of the season.
The Buccaneers remain second on 55 points, trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point, with the defending champions still holding a game in hand. That reality has forced Ouaddou to acknowledge that Pirates may no longer be fully in control of their own destiny.
With Sundowns still set to face Richards Bay later this month, Ouaddou is hoping the Natal Rich Boyz can replicate the resilience they showed against his side.
"I hope so. It's a team that has great character and good organisation. What is important is the fighting spirit and fitness level that they have," he said.
Despite dropping points, the Pirates coach chose to highlight the positives, suggesting the draw could still play a role in keeping their challenge alive.
"We do not have the chance to be pessimistic. If I had to find positivity, the point can help us," he added.
However, Ouaddou did not shy away from the bigger picture — admitting that the result has complicated their path to the title.
"Things will become difficult, but nothing is impossible. We still have a small chance to dream," he said.
With a demanding fixture schedule taking its toll, the focus now shifts to recovery and maintaining belief within the squad.
Pirates return to action against AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, knowing that while their fate may partly depend on others, their own results remain non-negotiable in the title race.
