Pirates Coach Ouaddou’s Plea to Bucs Fans After Sundowns Clash

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for patience from the fans after his side’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final.

The Buccaneers found themselves behind but showed great resilience, with Kamogelo Sebelebele scoring a late equalizer to secure a draw. This valuable result means they will take an away goal advantage into the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Ouaddou stated that while the team’s performances and results do not perfectly match up right now, he was proud of his players' determination. He praised their character for fighting back from a deficit, noting that this fighting spirit is a key component he is building within the squad.

The coach’s message indicates that the team is still a work in progress, and he needs the support of the fans as they continue to develop.

‘ I HOPE THEY WILL BE PATIENT WITH US'

“Today showed some character, some strengths as well from our boys,” he said on SuperSport TV.

“We showed this aim to play forward and to create chances, but in football sometimes it’s not easy because the result has to match with the performance but at the moment the results are not matching with the performance of the boys.

“Let’s hope that in the future we will take results and everything will be aligned and I just want our fans to be patient. I know it’s not the work in a big club like that, but I hope they will be patient with us.”

He added, “I think it was a great game from both teams.”

“Both teams tried to play some good football with intensity. I think it’s what the fans are expecting from such game.

“I think from our side, we are maybe disappointed with the result because we wanted to win, of course. We concede from a set-piece.

“But I have to congratulate the boys for the energy, about the character they have to come back. Let’s say it’s the first half, there’s still a second half.