Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his team’s concentration
and defensive resilience after their 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over
Chippa United, a result that saw the Buccaneers keep another crucial clean
sheet.
Despite being tested by a well-organized Chippa side, Pirates held firm
before late goals from substitutes Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis
secured the three points.
Key Quotes from Coach Ouaddou:
- On the Challenge: “Of course, [I am] happy. When you see the
physiognomy of the match, it was not easy. I think we played against a
very good team in Chippa, very well organised tactically. They put us in
trouble in the first half; we couldn’t find the space we wanted.” - On Halftime Adjustments: The coach revealed that tactical changes at
the break were key, stating, “We went into halftime to make some
tactical changes to improve a little bit in the second half.” - On His Players’ Mentality: He was particularly impressed with the
squad’s focus, especially in a potential “trap game” against the
league’s bottom side. “I have to congratulate them. To play against a
team who are looking for points is never easy, even when they are last
on the log. But again, my players impressed. Focus is what I like in the
game; we were focused for 90 minutes.” - On the Defensive Foundation: Ouaddou emphasized the importance of a
strong defense as the platform for success, adding, “We didn’t concede
goals, we came back with the strength. It’s very important for me not to
concede goals.”
The win underscores Pirates’ growing defensive solidity and their ability to
grind out results, even when not at their free-flowing best, keeping the
pressure on at the top of the table.
