Ouaddou Names the One Thing Pirates Must Get Right to Win the Title

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stressed that consistency will be vital in the coming months as the Betway Premiership title race intensifies.

The Buccaneers trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by four points but have two games in hand as the league enters the second round.

Pirates dropped points over the weekend after being held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United, and with several teams still in contention for the title, Ouaddou speaking to SABC Sport called on his squad to show resilience.

“This league is one of the best and one of the toughest in Africa – I can guarantee you that,” said Ouaddou. “As the captain [Nkosinathi Sibisi] said, the race is like a marathon. You have to be consistent in every game, every week.

“We have depth, we have good players, and everybody is important in this team. Everyone will have their moment to express themselves and help the team.

“For us, the focus is on winning every game. At the end of the season, we will count the points and see what happens.

“In French we say, ‘Don’t sell the bear’s skin before you have killed the bear.’ Step by step, we are working hard, and at the end of the season we can speak.”

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With Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs all among the front runners, Ouaddou believes mentality and approach will be decisive during the run-in.

“I know the history of the club, but for me it’s a new season with a lot of changes,” he added. “There is a lot of ambition, but my focus is on how we deal with each game, each weekend, and how we prepare the players to win.

“Of course, there is the idea of reducing the four-point gap, and maybe even going higher, but to do that we need to win games.

“I won’t talk about targets or points per month. The mentality is simple: we start every game aiming to win.

“Sometimes it’s not possible, like last week. We played with intensity and effort, the players gave everything, but it wasn’t the day to take the three points.

“But if we keep the same spirit and unity, I’m sure we will surprise a lot of people.”