Seema Credits Ouaddou’s Defensive Expertise For Pirates’ Success

Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema has credited head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s defensive expertise for the team’s impressive record at the back this season.

Seema and Ouaddou both joined the Buccaneers during the off-season, arriving from TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants, respectively.

Ouaddou enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a defender and was capped at senior level by Morocco. He was part of the Moroccan side that finished runners-up at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Tunisia in the final.

Pirates currently boast the best defensive record in the Betway Premiership, having conceded just five goals, the fewest in the league this season.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Seema explained how Ouaddou’s background as a defender has had a major influence on Pirates’ defensive solidity.

“We’ve been doing the same thing since the start of the season, which is defending together, keeping our compact team, and just putting it to work,” Seema said.

“Of course, the coach (Ouaddou) adds a little bit of pressure, but he mostly focuses on the defense.”

The Buccaneers have enjoyed a successful campaign so far, already lifting three trophies — the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Carling Cup.

In the Betway Premiership, Pirates currently sit second on the log with 29 points from 13 matches, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 32 points from 15 games.

The 22-year-old defender added that winning the league remains a major target for the squad as they look to add more silverware.

“We said that as a team, we want to win the league, we need to win many games and trophies as well,” the former TS Galaxy defender added.

Seema and his Pirates teammates will look to maintain their title push when they face struggling Magesi FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Magesi are currently bottom of the table with 11 points from 14 matches.