Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou urges team to step up for crucial clash with Sundowns
Betway Premiership
Relebohile Mofokeng is thriving in his new playmaker role, proving he’s more than just pace. With a goal and an assist in his last outing, can the Buccaneers' rising star pull the strings to sink Sundowns on Wednesday? Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Orlando Pirates camp, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a stark challenge to his players ahead of their upcoming match against perennial Betway Premiership winners Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm).
Aiming to reignite the team’s spirit and performance, Ouaddou’s impassioned comments come as the club faces mounting pressure to secure results that resonate with its illustrious history.
“I am expecting a very big answer for that game,” Ouaddou declared, signifying the urgency for a turnaround.
The coach has taken a firm stance, hinting that critics are watching not just the scoreboard but also the attitude and commitment demonstrated on the pitch.
“If they want to shut my mouth, my players have to change their attitude to prove to me in the next game that I am wrong,” he asserted.
Ouaddou’s comments stem from the side’s lack of a killer instinct in their weekend 3-0 win over Marumo Gallants in Orlando. The Moroccan-born coach has often said that his players need to kill off a game as soon as possible rather than wait to score in the latter stages.
Historically, the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns has been intense, echoing past encounters in which skill and passion reigned supreme. Pirates players have been made aware that reliance solely on talent is no longer sufficient; it is imperative to adopt the resilient spirit that the Pirates brand embodies.
Relebohile Mofokeng, who was at the heart of Pirates’ 3-0 win with a goal and an assist, said the team need to improve if they want to win the Premiership this season.
“We have to step up and show we are number one,” said Mofokeng.
“We have been doing great in the league. The lead is six points, but going into the next game, we will continue doing our best to remain at the top of the log.”
Mofokeng has been enjoying a new lease of life since he transitioned from a winger to a playmaker, a switch that has paid dividends for Pirates in recent matches. This aspect of the Pirates’ attack will attract considerable attention when Sundowns decide on their gameplan.
* Herman Gibbs is a veteran sports journalist with five decades of experience in the field. He is a former Sports Editor of the Daily Voice, and is currently a senior sports contributor for Independent Media.