Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has refused to hit the panic
button despite his side missing the chance to open a three-point lead at the
top of the Betway Premiership, following a 1-1 draw with Siwelele FC on
Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers dominated large spells of the contest at the Orlando Amstel
Arena but were forced to come from behind after Vincent Pule punished his
former club just before halftime. Tshepang Moremi’s second-half equaliser
secured a point, but it was not enough to capitalise on Mamelodi Sundowns’
weekend absence.
Speaking to SuperSport after the match, Ouaddou insisted he could not fault
his players’ effort and highlighted their control throughout the game.
“We did the game we wanted to do, we had the control, we played high in the
last third of the opponent most of the time, we created so many chances,”
Ouaddou said.
“The most difficult is to create the chances, which we did. I think the
opponent used one mistake we had in the beginning and they scored. After
that, the rest of the game we were dominant, but it doesn’t mean winning the
game. I have nothing to reproach the boys, they had a good game.”
The Moroccan tactician acknowledged Siwelele’s resilience but remained
measured about the result.
“We knew it would be very difficult against Siwelele, we have to
congratulate them for their match. They took two points unfortunately.
Everyone saw the boys wanted to win this game, but I’m not worried.
“If we keep playing like that until the end of the season, many things can
happen. We have to believe until the end.”
With Sundowns now able to move top when they face Marumo Gallants on
Tuesday, Ouaddou was clear about the approach required for the title run-in.
“We will die in every game like it’s a final. Nine more games, many things
can happen. We have to keep pushing.”
Despite the dropped points, Ouaddou’s message was one of calm
conviction—trusting that performances will eventually translate into results
as the season reaches its climax.
