Ouaddou Hails Bucs Faithful In First Official Win
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reserved special praise for the Buccaneers supporters for pushing the team over the line in their 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals on Saturday.
Former Rise and Shine winger Oswin Appollis broke the deadlock in the 12th minute to give the Soweto giants a lead, before attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi sealed passage to the next round of the competition with a penalty kick.
Like Jose Riveiro, who has since taken up a new project with record 12-time African champions Al Ahly after guiding the Sea Robbers to five cup domestic titles, the Moroccan mentor was in awe of the Bucs’ turnout for his first official match in the dugout.
“It was not the first time because I came here [at Orlando Stadium], I lost 1-0 [with Marumo Gallants], it’s my second time. To be on the right side and to work for the club and to be the coach of a club with such fantastic fans – it’s just incredible, we sang a lot today,” said Ouaddou.
“We made a lot of noise, and we have been lifted by the fans, and it’s what we expect all over the country throughout the season when we play. If we can have this kind of atmosphere, it will be top for the players.”
Ouaddou stressed that supporters’ backing acts as a catalyst for players to stage a commendable display on the pitch. Furthermore, the 46-year-old tactician urged the Pirates entourage to come out in numbers to push the team over the line throughout the season.
“As a player, when you feel the fans behind you, sometimes you go over the limit, that’s why we call the fans the 12th man, and today [Saturday] they were fantastic,” added the former Morocco international, who plied his trade in the English Premier League as a player.
“And you know that, they were impatient to see the new players, to see the new coach as well, and we were impatient to see them on a very big stage like that, and it was packed. Let’s see in the next game, I hope they will be with us for the next game also.”
Ouaddou’s charges will commence their Betway Premiership campaign with a visit from Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium next Saturday.
It remains to be seen whether Ouaddou can take Pirates to greater heights this season, amid the club’s hunger for a league title and continental glory.
