PSL Is Getting Tougher: Ouaddou
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the Betway Premiership is becoming increasingly competitive, following his team’s loss to Sekhukhune United in their opening game on Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning champions, were also held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United earlier in the day.
According to Ouaddou, these results serve as a testament to the league’s growing competitiveness.
“These results mean that the PSL is getting better and better, and also tougher,” Ouaddou said.
“All teams are trying to get a good organization. These results mean that all teams want to compete, and there are no more small teams in the league.”
Ouaddou’s comments highlight the significant shift in the league’s dynamics, where every team is hungry to make its mark.
Despite the loss, Ouaddou praised his team’s performance, noting that they played well but failed to capitalize on their chances.
“We know in football, when you’re not efficient in the zone and the opponent can get one chance and score,” he added.
“But it doesn’t mean that the boys didn’t play well, and if you can watch it again, you will see a lot of interesting things.
“But the most important thing is that you need to score for you to finish the game very well.”
The loss to Sekhukhune was a surprise, given Pirates’ strong second-place finish last season. This isn’t the first time the Buccaneers have lost their first game of the season; they also did so in 2023/24 but still finished high in the table.
Last season, Sundowns won the league with a significant gap between them and the other teams. However, this season has started differently for both teams, with neither securing a win in their opening match.
The Buccaneers will travel to Free State to face Marumo Gallants, Ouaddou’s former team, in their next league game on Tuesday.
Following that, they will face Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8. Meanwhile, Sekhukhune will look to continue their winning form when they face TS Galaxy at home in New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
