Pole Position: Pirates On Top And Loving It

(Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his satisfaction with the Buccaneers heading into the end-of-year break as log leaders in the Betway Premiership, sitting three points clear of reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, a position that underlines the seriousness of their title challenge this season.

Read: Pirates Face Key Selection Question

Pirates sealed their place at the summit following their 2-0 win over Durban City, continuing a strong first half of the campaign that has seen them go toe-to-toe with the Brazilians at the top of the table.

With their next league fixture only scheduled for 24 January next year, Ouaddou’s side will remain top of the standings for the next two months, offering both a psychological boost and a moment to reflect on the progress made so far.

Speaking after the Durban City victory, Ouaddou acknowledged that reaching the summit at this stage had always been part of the club’s ambition, while stressing the collective nature of the achievement.

“I think any coach who is training such a big club, when he comes to such a big club, it’s his target. So, of course, it was our target, not only mine, but it’s a collective work. I’m not working alone. It’s the objective, but now, like I said before, it’s a good thing to reach at the half of the season that position, but the most difficult is to stay in that position and to stay in that position, we have to keep working, to stay humble, because there is a lot of very good sides, very good teams in this PSL.

“The level is very high and if you are not focused, if you stop working, if you think that you already win the title, it can be very difficult. So, I press my players to keep focused, to keep working, because this PSL is a very high level. It’s one of the best, or let’s say, the best in Africa.”

While sitting on top over the festive period brings confidence, the real test will come in the new year as Pirates look to maintain consistency and handle the pressure that accompanies a genuine title push, something they have struggled to sustain in recent seasons against a dominant Sundowns outfit.

Before turning full attention back to the league campaign, Pirates have a crucial assignment on the horizon, as they take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final on 6 December, presenting Ouaddou with an opportunity to secure his second piece of silverware with the club, having already secured the MTN8 final earlier this season.

Read: Chiefs Team Selection Questioned

Related tags