Abdeslam Ouaddou is drawing on his European experience to keep Orlando Pirates focused as they move within two games of the Betway Premiership title. With Sipho Chaine breaking records and "Tito" Maswanganyi, pictured, on fire, can the Bucs clinch their first league title in 14 years? Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s football knowledge has taught him never to throw in the towel in until the very end, which is why he has always believed in his team’s ability to fight for the Betway Premiership title until the final match of the season.
Pirates are now just two games away from winning the league. They beat Magesi 3-0 on Saturday night to remain second on the log with 65 points, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.
With Sundowns set to complete their league campaign against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, Pirates will still have two matches in hand – against Durban City at home and Orbit College away. Should they win both fixtures while maintaining their superior goal difference, they will be crowned champions, ending a 14-year title drought.
Furthermore, having already won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout this season, they would complete a domestic treble for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.
Pirates have already exceeded expectations by securing silverware and qualifying for next season’s CAF Champions League. However, Ouaddou insists the squad’s full focus remains on winning the league title.
“Yes, we are pleased with that, but I think we are targeting another objective – you know which one it is,” Ouaddou said.
There were moments during the season when Pirates appeared likely to fall away after dropping points in matches they were expected to win. But Ouaddou believes the experience he gained during his playing career in France, Greece, and England taught him never to give up before the race is truly over.
“I have the humility to say that I played a little bit of football, and in some interesting leagues as well,” Ouaddou said.
"So, I have experience in football. I know that you can’t sell the bear skin before you kill the bear. A lot of people were saying that we had lost the title, but as long as you are mathematically still in the race and can still reach the target, then you must continue fighting."
Pirates are also pursuing the title in style. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine etched his name into the history books against Magesi after recording a PSL-era record 19th clean sheet of the season.
“I am very proud of him,” Ouaddou said.
“Sipho is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, not just in the country. Together with Ronwen Williams and the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, they are really top goalkeepers."
While defensive solidity has been a hallmark of Pirates’ campaign, some attacking players have also stepped up during the demanding final stretch – notably Patrick Maswanganyi. “Tito” has been in fine form recently, scoring twice and registering two assists in victories over Magesi and Stellenbosch.
“Fantastic for him, fantastic for the club,” Ouaddou said.
“He now understands the high-intensity demands I spoke about earlier in the season for that role. He can score and provide assists. He has freedom in that area and helps the team a lot with the ball.”