“It Could Have Been 4-0”: Ouaddou Hails Pirates’ In Derby Rout
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou believes the scoreline in their Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs could have been even more emphatic, suggesting his side had enough chances to win 4–0.
Pirates thrashed their fierce rivals 3–0 at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday to move to the top of the Betway Premiership table.
The Buccaneers, who dominated the match from start to finish, are now three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns with 41 points from 18 matches.
However, Ouaddou’s side have played one game more than Sundowns, who can return to the summit on Sunday if they secure a similar victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium against Sekhukhune United.
The result marked the first time since 2001 that Pirates defeated Chiefs 3–0 in a league match — when the late Lesley Manyathela scored twice and Benedict Vilakazi added the third. Chiefs also suffered a 3–0 defeat to Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final in October 2020.
“We played the game the way we wanted to play it,” said Ouaddou after the match.
“We started it the way we planned, and the players respected the game plan. The quality of football we played and our efficiency made the difference.
“I think we could have won maybe 4–0 if you look at the data and the statistics. I believe we had the majority of possession.
“We created the most chances. The control of the game was ours.
“Defensively, we were very strong. We deserved the victory — Orlando Pirates were the better team — and I wish Kaizer Chiefs all the best.”
Tshepang Moremi gave Pirates the lead in the fifth minute, scoring from a set-piece situation after a short corner routine.
Despite being the designated away side in this historic encounter, Pirates were in the ascendancy, transitioning quickly whenever they won possession.
The second goal arrived in the 39th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng reacted quickest to a loose ball and set up Oswin Appollis, who fired into the far corner as Chiefs struggled to respond.
Pirates sealed the victory in the 79th minute. A quick throw-in from Dion Hotto found Moremi, who delivered a perfect cross for Evidence Makgopa — on for Yanela Mbuthuma — to guide past a helpless Bruce Bvuma.
The emphatic win was witnessed by 87,436 fans in Soweto, including former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, as Pirates strengthened their grip at the top of the table.
