“It’s Becoming a Sickness” — Ouaddou Slams Pirates’ Wastefulness Despite 3–0 Win
Orlando Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the Betway Premiership table on Saturday afternoon, but head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made it clear that he is far from satisfied.
The Buccaneers secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Amstel Arena, extending their unbeaten run to 14 matches and opening a six-point gap at the summit. Yet instead of celebrating the dominant scoreline, Ouaddou used his post-match address to challenge his players publicly.
Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed Pirates’ 38th point of the season after 16 league games. The result keeps them six points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, although the reigning champions still have a game in hand.
On paper, it was another polished performance from a side that has shown remarkable consistency in the Betway Premiership this campaign. But Ouaddou believes the scoreline could – and should – have been more emphatic.
“When we are playing for such a big club with a lot of ambition, it becomes crucial that we need to finish in the last third,” Ouaddou said after the match. “I’ve been saying that, but it’s becoming a sickness.”
The Pirates mentor did not mince his words, insisting higher standards are required if the Soweto giants are serious about lifting the league title.
“Let’s be serious in the last third. We are not here to play circus. We are here to compete,” he continued. “There is a lot of expectation from the club and from the fans. It’s a huge club in Africa. Everybody is ambitious here. I am very ambitious. We want to win the title.
“If some people don’t want to win the title, they must say it. I don’t want to lose time with people who want to joke on the pitch.”
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou (Image: @orlandopirates/ X)
Despite the criticism, the numbers underline Pirates’ dominance. Sixteen matches into the season, they have built a healthy cushion at the top and remain unbeaten in 14 outings – a run that has firmly positioned them as genuine Betway Premiership title contenders.
However, their credentials will face the ultimate test on Wednesday evening.
Pirates are set to host Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium in a blockbuster top-of-the-table encounter that could significantly shape the direction of the title race. A victory would extend their advantage even further, while Sundowns have the opportunity to cut the gap and reassert their authority.
For now, Pirates remain in control. But if Ouaddou’s fiery remarks are anything to go by, the league leaders believe their best is still to come – and they will need to prove it when Sundowns come to town.