Ouaddou: We Could Have Scored Seven

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side could have registered an even more emphatic scoreline after a dominant attacking display against AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership clash on Saturday.

Pirates returned to the top of the standings with 58 points after a convincing 3–0 win over Usuthu, a result that underlined their attacking quality and control throughout the match.

The Buccaneers were clinical in front of goal, with Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis—who was named Man of the Match—and Relebohile Mofokeng all getting on the scoresheet to seal an important victory.

The win moves Pirates two points clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, although the Brazilians still have two games in hand due to their CAF Champions League commitments.

“We executed the game plan we wanted. We started with high intensity to try to suffocate the opposition because we knew how strong they are,” Ouaddou said on SuperSport TV.

“I think we scored in the first half, and at half-time I asked the players to keep pushing so we could add more goals.

“To be honest, this is a game we could have finished 7–0, but we are happy for the players because they performed very well—good football, entertaining football for the fans. It was important to play like this at home in front of our supporters.

“I believe we owed our fans a strong performance at home. I said before the game that there were six matches left and maximum points available, so we will fight until the end.”

Ouaddou also explained his decision to substitute Mofokeng, Mbuthuma, and Tshepang Moremi, saying the changes were not purely about resting players but about improving balance and control.

“The substitutions we make are based on two things: giving other players opportunities and making tactical adjustments to gain more control of the game,” he added.

“We sometimes lose control in midfield, so we wanted to bring more composure, and that’s what we did in the second half.

“At the same time, we wanted to maintain speed and width on the flanks. The players were fantastic today, and congratulations to them. Hopefully, they can carry this form into the next match.”

Pirates will now turn their focus to a massive Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs next weekend at a sold-out FNB Stadium.