Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou motivates his team after their 2-0 win over Richards Bay, keeping the title race alive. Picture Credit: Youtube
By Aisha Zardad
Soweto – Orlando Pirates have reclaimed the top spot in the Betway Premiership following a commanding 2-0 victory over Richards Bay FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. With the win, they now sit level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns at 47 but edge ahead on goal difference (+25 compared to Sundowns’ +24).
Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has guided Pirates through a season of intense competition, described the match as a tough challenge. “A very difficult game. I can tell you that for me, the most consistent teams that we faced this season were Richards Bay and Siwelele, so another tough game on Saturday,” he said, highlighting the demanding nature of the PSL.
With just 10 matches left, every game carries significant weight in the title race. Ouaddou stressed the level of competition: “We know that the PSL is a very strong league, with very good teams. And if you want to be champions, you have to win such difficult games.”
While Sundowns hold a slight advantage in goals scored (34), Pirates’ defensive record has been outstanding, conceding only eight goals this season. Ouaddou made a heartfelt appeal to fans, promising unwavering commitment from his squad: “Everybody is dreaming to be champions, and we are fighting to be champions, of course. We are going to fight until the last minute; I can tell you that and promise you that we are going to die on the pitch and believe until the last second.”
Despite the triumph, Ouaddou acknowledged areas for improvement ahead of their upcoming clash with Siwelele FC in Soweto. “We were not so efficient with the last pass in the last third and in the heart of the game. We lost some crucial balls that maybe could’ve been punished by the opposition in transitions,” he reflected.
He concluded by commending his players’ resilience and determination: “We take these three points because it’s a very important result in this title race, and I want to congratulate the boys again for their character.”
As the title race tightens between Pirates and Sundowns, each of the remaining fixtures carries enormous stakes in this electrifying PSL showdown.
