Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has emphasized an internal focus
for his squad, despite their position in the Betway Premiership title race.
While the Buccaneers sit second behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns—and hold
two games in hand—Ouaddou insists the team’s primary concern is their own
performance and progression.
Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium on Wednesday, the Moroccan-born mentor
acknowledged the league table but clarified his team’s philosophy.
“We are focused on ourselves since the beginning of the season,” Ouaddou
stated. “I will not lie to you and tell you that we are not looking at the
log. But for us, it is important to focus on which area we have to improve,
which area we have to keep working. We are doing so well, of course, and we
are not focused on any other teams.”
Ouaddou elaborated that the technical team is meticulously working on the
team’s approach to matches, ensuring they maximize every opportunity in a
long campaign.
“We are working on how we have to start the games and how we have to finish
them. Every game, we play it to win,” he said. “The league is long and will
finish around May, so we will make it count at the end of the season. For
now, we are focusing on our preparation, how we want to start and win games,
our organization, and the management of the team. Only these things are very
important for us.”
Pirates will put this focused approach to the test in their
first match since their home ground was renamed, as they host Magesi FC at
the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
