Orlando Pirates’ Oswin Appollis challenges for the ball against Tlakusani Mthethwa of Richards Bay during their Betway Premiership match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
As the race for the Betway Premiership title heats up, Orlando Pirates are determined to assert their dominance, guided by their Moroccan coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Following a significant 2-0 victory on Wednesday against Richards Bay FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Pirates have reclaimed their position at the top of the league table. They now sit level on points with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on 47 points, but hold the advantage with a superior goal difference (+25 compared to +24).
Ouaddou did not mince words when discussing the toughness of their recent match, remarking on the formidable nature of Richards Bay: “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].”
His comments encapsulate the fiercely competitive spirit prevalent in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), where each match has a bearing on a team’s championship aspirations. With only 10 matches remaining in the season, Ouaddou is acutely aware of the intense stakes.
He underscored the calibre of the league by stating, “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.”
Sundowns hold a slight edge in goals scored (34), while Pirates have excelled defensively, conceding only eight goals all season. In a heartfelt plea to the fans, Ouaddou promised unwavering commitment: “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 triumphant result, Ouaddou acknowledged room for improvement as the team prepare to face Siwelele FC in Soweto this Saturday.
“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 with high praise for his squad, emphasising their resilience: “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.”
With the rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns reaching boiling point, every point will be crucial in this thrilling race to the finish line.