Abdeslam Ouaddou, head coach of Orlando Pirates, reacts during the Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
Image: Nic Bothma/BackpagePix
Much like the English Premier League, which Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou alluded to, the Betway Premiership title race will go down to the wire.
In an intriguing 2025/26 season, Pirates have thrown all they have at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Prior to Sundowns’ clash with Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening, Ouaddou’s charges had scored more goals (53-47) and conceded fewer (12-13) than their rivals from Pretoria, with both teams having played 27 matches. The 1-1 draw between the defending champions and Kaizer Chiefs has further aided the Sea Robbers cause.
Ouaddou and Co will have watched on in delight, as the result leaves only a three point gap between first-placed Downs and his chasing Pirates, who now also have a game in hand over their rivals.
Furthermore, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has surpassed Moeneeb Josephs’ record of 17 clean sheets for Pirates, set during the 2008/09 season, whilst equalling Ronwen Williams’ PSL record for the most clean sheets (18) in a season.
With three games remaining for Pirates compared to Sundowns’ two, the former still have their destiny in their own hands, provided they claim maximum points from their remaining matches.
It is this fact that matters solely to Ouaddou, as his “warriors” will not give up the fight until the very last day of the season.
“You know, in every league, in every country, if you can see the Premier League in England, Manchester City, Arsenal, they're fighting. I think it's the same fight that we see in the PSL,” the Moroccan said, after the 2–0 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday.
“So, this season we try to bring more competitiveness. I think the boys really did well. The guys were very brave; I’m very proud of them. I’m very proud to be the coach of these boys. We saw real warriors and players that clearly gave an answer. We are still here, and we’re going to fight until the last second.
“We have to continue to fight, to improve the players, to try to be more creative, to be more consistent as well, because to break the record, it's fine, but it's for the show. The most important (thing) is if you break the record and you didn't win the title. So, if we win the title and you break the record, now I think it's worth something.”
The Buccaneers made significant progress under previous coach José Riveiro, with the Spaniard leading the Soweto giants to three consecutive MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup triumphs, where they defeated Sundowns in the 2023/24 final. But Riveiro’s best placing in the Premiership was second, after which Ouaddou joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of this season.
The former Fulham defender has made an immediate impact as he aims to become the first Pirates coach since Dutchman Ruud Krol (2010/11) to lead the Bucs to the promised land.
“Pirates were playing some nice football before I came, and I tried to analyse what we can improve in that team. And if you've seen last season, they conceded a lot of goals in transitions,” he said.
“They conceded a lot of goals because the philosophy was more attacking, and sometimes they (forgot) to defend well. And it's what we rectified this season with the players. Look, if you definitely want to win a title, you really need to put (down a) strong foundation. You cannot win a title with a poor defence. This is a fact.
“But at the same time, you need to score goals. And the originality in our team (is that) the top scorers are not the strikers. It doesn't mean that they are bad. They are doing a great, great job. And I always say that my first defenders are my strikers, my front line. Everybody has to work in the team.
“I think that it's a collective sport. Everybody has to be involved in the task, either when we have to defend, (or) when we attack as well. It's (about being) willing to make efforts (and) not to be selfish in the team.”