Ouaddou: Beating Arrows Was Crucial After Chiefs’ Win
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says earning all three points against Golden Arrows was crucial after Kaizer Chiefs’ victory the previous day.
Chiefs had temporarily moved up to second place on Tuesday after hammering Orbit College 4-1 at FNB Stadium, taking their tally to 22 points from 11 matches.
However, Pirates ensured that the Betway Premiership title race remains a three-horse battle by reclaiming second place with a commanding 3-1 victory over Arrows at a packed King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Buccaneers now sit on 22 points from 10 matches, just two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated TS Galaxy at Loftus Stadium.
Chiefs dropped to third place with the same number of points, but Pirates boast a superior goal difference.
All of Pirates’ goals came from their Richards Bay signings — Nkosikhona Ndaba and a brace from Yanela Mbuthuma.
The victory also saw Pirates become the first team to beat Arrows at the Umlazi venue this season. Arrows had won all their previous home matches and were hoping to maintain that perfect run.
However, history was against them — they haven’t beaten Pirates in Durban since February 2021, when Pule Mmodi, now with Chiefs, scored twice.
Pirates entered the fixture with impressive away form — three wins, one loss, and one draw (the draw coming against Sundowns last weekend and the loss to Marumo Gallants in August).
“Having seen the results yesterday [Tuesday], and knowing our ambitions, it was important to respond,” said Ouaddou after the match.
“We knew the quality of Golden Arrows — their players and coach Manqoba Mngqithi. For me, he’s one of the best African coaches on the continent. I’ve followed him for a long time and admire his football philosophy.
“We knew it would be a very difficult match, but the players respected the plan and executed it perfectly. The game was very tactical, and I believe the victory was deserved based on our performance.
“My boys deserved this win. Now I’ll check the log, but it’s important for us to stay at the top.”
Pirates will remain in Durban as they prepare to face Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
