Abdeslam Ouaddou Refuses to Panic After Orlando Pirates PSL Title Setback
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has insisted his side remains firmly in the hunt for the Premier Soccer League title despite dropping crucial points against Durban City.
The Buccaneers missed a golden opportunity to edge closer to the Premier Soccer League crown after failing to secure victory in a match that could have nearly sealed the title race. With their superior goal difference, a win would have placed the Soweto giants within touching distance of ending their long league drought.
Instead, the title battle is set to go down to the wire something Ouaddou appears more than ready for.
Ouaddou Embraces PSL Title Race Drama
Speaking after the match, the Pirates mentor admitted his side created enough chances to win but believes football sometimes refuses to follow the script.
“We could’ve maybe scored some of the opportunities in the first half, second half as well. But today the ball didn’t want to go into the net; it’s football.”
Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, Ouaddou said the suspense surrounding the PSL title race was always expected.
“We keep the suspense until the end. I said at the beginning of the season, middle of the season, that probably the title would be played until the end of the season, the last game.”
The coach then delivered a confident rallying call to the Buccaneers faithful:
“So, let’s go, let’s go to take it to be champion in the last game.”
Orlando Pirates Feeling Pressure of 14-Year Title Drought
One of the major talking points surrounding Orlando Pirates’ title challenge has been the pressure of trying to end a 14-year wait for league glory.
Ouaddou acknowledged that the occasion may be affecting his relatively young squad, especially in high-pressure moments.
“We have a very young team, I think the third youngest team in the PSL, and they know that for 14 years Pirates didn’t win the title, so it’s normal it creates some stress in the head.”
The former defender pointed to poor decision-making in key moments during the second half but praised his team’s attacking intent and intensity.
“I think we have seen a good Pirates in the second half with the intensity that we’re waiting for, technical quality, the threat in the last third, unfortunately, we were not efficient.”
Can Orlando Pirates Win the PSL Title?
Despite the setback, Orlando Pirates remain firmly in contention for the PSL title heading into the final stages of the season. With the race expected to be decided on the last day, the Buccaneers still control much of their destiny.
The focus now shifts to whether Ouaddou’s youthful side can handle the pressure and finally bring the league trophy back to Soweto after more than a decade of heartbreak.
For Pirates supporters, the dream is still alive but the margin for error has disappeared.
