Ouaddou Says Pirates Must ‘Go For The Jugular’

Having conceded the fewest goals in the league this season and keeping a third consecutive clean sheet, Orlando Pirates are showing signs of a team determined to challenge for the title — but coach Abdelsam Ouaddou insists they are not the only contenders.

The Moroccan-born coach stressed that there is no place to hide at the club. He said you cannot coach Pirates with the ambition of merely finishing in the top five — you are expected to go for the jugular and aim to win the league.

Pirates moved to the top of the Betway Premiership after brushing aside Durban City 2–0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, replacing Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit.

Now three points clear of Sundowns, Pirates have gone three matches without conceding, as they chase their first league title since the 2011/12 season.

Impressively, Pirates have conceded only five league goals this season — the fewest of any team and scored 18 in the process.

When Ouaddou was asked whether having the best defensive record and three straight clean sheets was a sign of a title-challenging team, he responded:

“When you come to Orlando Pirates, I think you are not coming here to finish in fifth place or third. You are here to compete for the title,” said Ouaddou.

“We cannot hide it. We need to compete, and there are a lot of good teams in the PSL that can compete for the title. So, we are one of those teams, and we will definitely fight until the end of the season.”

Pirates will now shift focus to Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Tickets for the match sold out within hours of going on sale.

The Soweto giants are targeting their second trophy of the season, having successfully defended the MTN8 title in September against Stellenbosch.

They are also chasing their first League Cup crown since the 2011/12 season, when they completed a historic treble.