“It Felt Like A Loss” – Ouaddou Laments Fatigue Against Bay
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted that their draw against Richards Bay felt like a loss, but insists his side cannot afford to give up in the race for the league title.
Pirates, who are locked in a fierce battle with Mamelodi Sundowns, were held to a 2-2 draw by the Natal Rich Boyz at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.
They had to come from behind twice, cancelling out goals from Thulani Gumede and Lindokuhle Zikhali.
Pirates’ goals came from Oswin Appollis and Lebone Seema, with the latter scoring a stunning last-minute equaliser to rescue a point — a result that prevented Sundowns from opening a significant gap at the top.
After missing the chance to go top, Sundowns remain first on 56 points after 23 matches, while Pirates sit second on 55, having played a game more.
Pirates are chasing a relentless Sundowns side that has won 10 consecutive league matches and recently defeated Espérance de Tunis in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final.
“What I want to say to my boys is that when we draw like that, it feels like a loss because we dropped two points,” said Ouaddou.
“It is easy to blame individuals, but we must stay together and remain focused because we still have games to play. What I can say is that the team showed great character and personality to come back and make it 2-2.
“Unfortunately, the game ended just as we gained momentum. If we had five or ten more minutes, I believe we could have scored a third goal, but time was up.
“Congratulations to Richards Bay — they played a good game, and my players gave their best.”
Pirates came into the match full of confidence, having scored 11 goals in their previous two games.
However, Ouaddou, who kept the same starting line-up that thrashed Golden Arrows 5-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena earlier in the week, admitted that fatigue may have played a role.
“I think we may have felt a bit fatigued because I kept the same team. You could see that some of the players were a little tired,” he said.
“But we must keep working and keep believing. We do not have the right to give up now.”
