Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was not a happy man after their goalless draw against Durban City.
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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said they were disappointed not to collect three points against Durban City in their penultimate game of the season — rather than the fact that they failed to wrap up the Betway Premiership title.
Pirates and Durban City played to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, dropping two invaluable points that left them second on the log with 66 points, two behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Given the fact that Sundowns have wrapped up their domestic season, a win for Pirates would have seen them draw level with the Brazilians, but move to the top of the log due to a superior goal difference.
As such, the script has now changed. Pirates need to beat Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium in their season finale to leapfrog Sundowns and finish top of the standings with 69 points — ending a 14-year league title drought.
Resplendent in a sharp new suit, Ouaddou seemed dressed for the confirmation of their championship status against the Citizens. However, he denied having title thoughts before the game, unlike most supporters.
“We wanted to collect maximum points, and I want to be clear that we were not thinking about the title because a lot of people were celebrating before the game even started. They got out the champagne before the end,” Ouaddou said.
“We are clear: the target was three points in front of our fans. It didn’t happen. But if you remember what I said before the start of the season, the title would probably be decided in the last game. And we are still in that conversation.”
Pirates’ trip to Mbombela won’t be easy. Orbit need all three points to try and salvage their top-flight status as they occupy the relegation play-off spot with 24 points — three ahead of bottom-placed Magesi FC and just one behind 14th-placed Marumo Gallants.