Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘It was a disaster’, transfer updates and more

Published on by

Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘It was a disaster’, transfer updates and more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, in the last 24 hours, including disastrous first half against AmaZulu, why the Sea Robbers have a chance of winning the CAF Champions League title and more.

It was a disaster!

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou gave a blunt assessment of his side’s 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.

Pirates made a dominant start and took the lead through Tshepang Moremi, but squandered a host of chances that followed thereafter, with striker Yanela Mbuthuma and Ghampani Lungu the main culprits.

That in essence kept the door open for the host who obliged and subsequently bagged a point in the dying minutes of the first half through a penalty by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.

“To be honest, I love my team. Of course I will tell you we deserved more especially if you look at the chances we create in the second half because I don’t want to talk about the first half,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV post-match.

“The first half was really a disaster. So, if I take into consideration where we had more interest in the last third, more play forward, more combination and more interest in the last third of course we deserved to win that game.

“But to be honest, I don’t think too many teams are coming to win here, I told you in the beginning that AmaZulu is really a strong team. They have some good players. I think the coach is a very good coach.

Abdeslam Ouaddou
Abdeslam Ouaddou – Image: Orlando Pirates

“I told you he is one of the best coaches in this PSL. I really like him, I appreciate him he is very humble and if we have to talk about that, it’s ok the season is long. But we need to wake up, some players really need to wake up quickly.

“I have to give credit to Sibisi and Chaine ,of course they went to the World Cup and they play every game, but the other ones really need to wake up because me I don’t have time because now it’s an emergency,” he continued.

I hopo they win the second star

A former Orlando Pirates star who was a key part of the side that reached the 2013 CAF Champions League final has shared his thoughts on the Soweto giants’ continental prospects this season.

Pirates return to the Champions League alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and are expected to perform much better than last term, when they were knocked out in the second preliminary round courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have been drawn against La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the first preliminary round.  

“Although it is still early, I believe Pirates have made some reputable signings. However, I cannot confidently say they will defend their PSL title or win the Champions League,” says Mpho Makola, speaking to KickOff.

Orlando Pirates players Camren Dansin, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis.
Camren Dansin, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis – Image: Orlando Pirates

“The two matches they have played this season have shown different dynamics, as the coach is still experimenting with different combinations. To succeed in the Champions League, you need experienced players.

“I am entirely confident they will reach the knockout stages. My hope is for Pirates to win their second star, similar to Sundowns. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that their upcoming five fixtures will provide clearer insight into their trajectory,” he concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like