Ouaddou: We Need Goals Against Lupopo
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side must find their scoring touch and has labelled their upcoming clash against St. Éloi Lupopo as the biggest game of the season.
Pirates will host the Congolese outfit in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, needing to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit suffered in Kinshasa last weekend.
The Buccaneers restored some confidence midweek with a 1-0 win over Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership at the same venue.
However, Ouaddou lamented his team’s missed opportunities, especially from Evidence Makgopa and substitute Yanela Mbuthuma in the second half.
Makgopa came closest when his curling shot struck the post after opening up his body but failing to hit the target.
Despite those missed chances, the victory lifted Pirates to 18 points from eight matches, just three behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with two games in hand. They are also two points adrift of second-placed Sekhukhune United, who have played a game more.
Ouaddou rotated his squad against Polokwane with clear intent — to keep his key players fresh for Saturday’s crucial CAF Champions League tie.
“It was a very important three points. I think the guys did well — it was not an easy game,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.
“Polokwane were strong, especially in the second half. They came to press us with a lot of ambition, maybe to equalise, but I have to congratulate my boys. They were strong, showed character and personality.
“But yes, we wanted to score more goals. We had the chances to kill the game, and that’s an area we must improve — especially this Saturday, we need to score goals.”
The Moroccan-born coach also issued a rallying call to Pirates fans, urging them to pack Orlando Stadium and play their part as the team’s “12th man.”
“Of course, we need them. In this kind of game, we need the supporters behind us,” he said.
“I hope the stadium will be packed because we need them to push us. It will be an important game in the history of the club.
“We need to score four goals — it won’t be easy, but we’ll be prepared for it.”
