Ouaddou: Pirates Win Was A ‘Crucial’ Response To Rivals
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says his team’s 3-0 victory over Chippa United was a crucial response after seeing their main rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, both win on Saturday.
The win, which took place in front of a buzzing crowd at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, saw Pirates climb to fifth place in the Betway Premiership standings with nine points from five matches. It was their third consecutive league win, signaling a return to form.
Ouaddou’s Take on the Win
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the game, Ouaddou highlighted the importance of securing three points. “I’m happy about the performance of the boys. We wanted to come here to take three points,” he said. “When you look at the results yesterday, it was very important to win.”
On Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Stellenbosch 1-0, a game in which Peter Shalulile made history by becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in the PSL with 130 goals. Kaizer Chiefs also secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Ouaddou emphasized the significance of the win beyond just the three points. “I said before the game that it’s a game not for three, but six points,” he explained.
“I’m happy about the result… We have to understand that we have to give fun to our fans, but I’m not somebody who would like to enjoy like that. I want goals. If you can put five, six goals, you have to put six goals.”
Focus on Momentum and Staying Close to Rivals
Having lost their first two matches of the season, Ouaddou stressed the need to keep pace with the teams at the top of the table. “I think it was very important to win before the break, and at the same time, to stay close to our rivals and to be stuck at the top of the table,” he stated.
“We have some ambitions with the club, so it was very important to come and have nine points before the break.”
The coach also provided an update on Patrick Maswanganyi, who was stretchered off the field with an injury. “I hope it’s not bad. I haven’t spoken with the doctor yet, but I hope it’s not bad because we need everybody,” he said.
The win sets up Orlando Pirates for their next challenge: the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch at Mbombela Stadium on 13 September. The team will have 14 days to prepare for the final during the upcoming FIFA international break.
