Orlando Pirates have decisively turned the page on their CAF Champions
League heartbreak, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisting the team’s
focus is now squarely on domestic silverware after securing a hard-fought
2-1 victory over Magesi FC to reach the Carling Knockout semi-finals.
The win at Orlando Stadium served as a crucial confidence booster, helping
to erase the bitter taste of their recent continental elimination. While
speculation continues over the eligibility of a Saint-Éloi Lupopo player,
Ouaddou’s post-match comments made it clear the Buccaneers have accepted
their fate and are moving forward.
“We’re Here to Reach Targets”
“It was very important to win tonight and keep this confidence, this hope to
be ambitious,” Ouaddou told journalists, emphasizing the significance of the
cup run. “We even won the last game in the Champions League, but we know the
result – we didn’t qualify.”
The Moroccan tactician, who has already guided the team to MTN8 glory this
season, now sets his sights on sustaining this momentum. The immediate
challenge is a massive Premiership clash against defending champions
Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld this weekend.
His only frustration from the Magesi game was the conceded goal, stating, “I
wanted to keep a clean sheet.” When asked about his team’s missed chances,
Ouaddou dismissed worry but used the moment to deliver a sharp, public
reminder to his squad about professionalism.
“As a coach, I just want to attract the attention of my players that
football is about scoring goals. When you have the possibility to score, you
score. Don’t joke – we’re not here to joke,” he asserted. “We’re here to
perform and give results. If somebody wants to enjoy and joke, no problem –
he can go play five-a-side with his colleagues. But we’re here to reach
targets.”
The message from the Pirates camp is unequivocal: the disappointment of
Africa is in the past, and the relentless pursuit of domestic success is the
only priority.
