Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘I was pushing for fifth and sixth!’ Makgopa lauded & more…

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Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘I was pushing for fifth and sixth!’ Makgopa lauded & more…

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including Evidence Makgopa lauded after being directly involved in two goals, Abdeslam Ouaddou insists he wanted more goals, and more.

Pirates news as they break

Makgopa lauded after starring role for Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou delivers his assessment of Evidence Makgopa, who contributed a goal and an assist against African Stars.

I was pushing for fifth & sixth!

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was all smiles as he reflected on his side’s successful return to the CAF Champions League group stage after their victory over African Stars FC.

The Buccaneers booked their place in the group stage with a convincing 4-0 win over the Namibian champions at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night in the second leg of the second preliminary round.

“Yes, you’re right, it was important for us to come back in the Champions League, you know, because we felt sorry for our fans last season. I love to say a Champions League without Pirates, it’s not the same taste. So we come back, happy for the fans, happy for the club. It was one of the targets,” he told SABC Sport.

“Credit has to be given to the boys. We know that we had a difficult first half, not even we scored two goals, but in terms of control, it was not what I was expecting and after the second half was much, much better in terms of control.

“We managed to score again two goals. So and we managed to bring some young players as well to give them some experience of that competition. They did very well. I think it’s a positive.”

With Pirates now through to the group stage, Ouaddou has urged his players to turn their attention to their next assignment in the cup competition, while acknowledging the demands that await them in Africa.

“Now, let’s focus on the next game in the Cup. But we really want to achieve something great in the Champions League. We know that it’s another competition, very physical and another type of football. And we will have to adapt, but very happy, very happy for the club.”

Evidence Makgopa after scoring against African Stars in the CAF Champions League.
Evidence Makgopa after scoring against African Stars in the CAF Champions League. Image: Orlando Pirates

The Sea Robbers mentor also explained why he continued pushing his players to find the net even after they had established a comfortable lead, while making it clear that he had no problem with them entertaining the supporters.

“Of course, the goals, even at 4-0, I was pushing the guys to score the fifth one, the sixth one. My proudness is we scored four goals and we didn’t concede. So and the guys, when they score four goals, they can enjoy. You see, I didn’t say nothing.

“Popo [Padime] can make, can climb on the ball. Masilela can make showboating, you see, I don’t have any problem. But you need to score four goals,” they concluded.

Watch Ouaddou reflecting on win

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz reflects on his side’s penalty shoot-out loss to Red Arrows, crashing out of the CAF Confederations Cup.

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Willis Sob

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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.

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