Abdeslam Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates aim to maintain momentum in final stretch of their league campaign

In a football career spanning almost 27 years, Abdeslam Ouaddou must have learned that what defines a successful campaign isn’t entirely about how you start, but rather how you finish.

As such, when the Orlando Pirates coach lost his first two Betway Premiership matches at the club in August, he knew he could turn the tide as long as he continued to work in unison with everyone at the club and ensured his players bought into his philosophy.

And that is exactly what happened. 

Fast-forward 13 games on since the defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, and Pirates are yet to lose in the league, with their only blemishes being two draws to go along with 11 wins.

Those strides have ensured that Pirates are exactly where they want to be: top of the log at the halfway mark of the season – a position that reinforces their ambitions of winning the title for the first time in 14 years.

Pirates will, however, know that it is easier to reach the summit than to remain there. And given those aspirations, they must focus on actions rather than words and maintain their momentum right through to their final league fixture in May.

Having shown they can be a dominant force as they grow in confidence, build combinations and fully understand Ouaddou’s demands, Pirates are already the team to beat in the second half of the campaign.

Beginning their final stretch of their league campaign at home on Saturday to Ouaddou’s former employers, Gallants – the same side who beat them in the reverse fixture – Pirates are expected to deliver another commanding performance and send a stern warning to their closest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

The Sea Robbers have been in fine form since the resumption of the campaign. After a goalless draw with Sekhukhune, they bounced back with 2–0 league victories over Magesi and AmaZulu, before cruising to a 4–1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

Scoring 10 goals and conceding just one in three games speaks to the team’s balance in attack and defence. They have found consistency in front of goal while remaining defensively solid – a combination essential for sustained success.

After releasing Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch FC on a six-month loan deal, Pirates were expected to struggle in the final third. However, the arrival of Andre de Jong from Stellies on a permanent transfer has added a different and effective dimension to their attack.

Although de Jong has scored just once in three matches – netting a penalty in the win over TTM in Durban – his ability to hold up play and tire defenders has allowed others to flourish.

For instance, Relebohile Mofokeng was back to his best against Magesi and AmaZulu, playing key roles in both matches and earning Player of the Match honours in each.

Mofokeng cannot do it alone, though. His teammates must continue contributing to the team’s progress, including building on the 11 clean sheets Sipho Chaine has kept in the league since the start of the season.

Ouaddou should persist with his rotation policy, giving squad players opportunities. But that must come with accountability – fringe players need to raise their hands and deliver when called upon.

After all, Pirates need all hands on deck if they are to maintain momentum in pursuit of the league and the Nedbank Cup, adding to their MTN8 and Carling Knockout triumphs earlier this season.

And with Ouaddou having been around the block for nearly three decades – both as a player and coach locally and abroad – he should know exactly what is required when the pressure intensifies.