Ouaddou Targets Driving Pirates Toward Long-Awaited League Glory

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has emphasized a clear target-driven approach and strong team mentality as key factors behind their impressive Betway Premiership campaign as they push to secure a long-awaited league title.

The Buccaneers reinforced their title ambitions with a dominant 6–0 victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday, a result that saw them return to the top of the standings.

Ouaddou’s side now leads the table with 51 points from 22 matches, sitting just one point ahead of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 50 points from 21 games.

“I just motivate all my players with targets, I’m talking about targets to improve individually, to improve collectively with the team, and to fix targets,” Ouaddou said.

“The target for us is simple, we want to win the league, and I don’t know whether we will succeed, but I can tell you that we will give everything to bring this work to the fans. The second target is to work to be amongst the best 11 in the country; it is a fantastic challenge for all these boys.

“But more than that, when you see players performing with a lot of strength and confidence because they feel supported, then they are not afraid to make mistakes.

“This is what happens in almost all games because the guys are not in an environment to perform because they are scared to make mistakes, but today (on Sunday against TS Galaxy) they felt fantastic support from our fans.”

The Moroccan mentor also further called on supporters and critics to direct pressure toward him rather than the players, especially the younger members of the squad.

“This is what we are looking for. If somebody wants to criticize, then please criticize the coach,” he added.

“I’m ready to listen to all this criticism, do not criticize our boys, please, and we need to help them because some of them are young and they just need support, and we don’t need to put them under pressure.”

Pirates’ strong position marks a significant shift from previous seasons, where they consistently fell short and finished in second place. Having last lifted the league title in the 2011/12 season, the current campaign presents a real opportunity to end that drought.

The Betway Premiership is currently on hold due to the FIFA international break, with several Pirates players set to represent Bafana Bafana.

Upon their return, the Buccaneers will face Golden Arrows at Orlando Amstel Arena on 7 April, aiming to maintain their momentum as they continue their pursuit of league glory.