Ouaddou hails Pirates response as Chippa victory sends them top

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his players after their emphatic 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon.

The result returned Ezimnyama Ngenkani to winning ways in the Betway Premiership and moved them to the top of the league standings, with Pirates leapfrogging arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates produced a convincing display to claim all three points, with Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami finding the net. Lungu was named Man of the Match after helping drive the Buccaneers to a comfortable victory.

Speaking to the media in Durban after the final whistle, Ouaddou highlighted the improvement his side showed after half-time. He was also pleased with the way the squad responded to Wednesday’s draw against AmaZulu.

The Pirates manager had faced questions about comments he made about some of his players after the midweek result. He used his post-match media appearance to explain that his intention had been to provoke a psychological response and encourage a stronger reaction from the squad.

That response came in emphatic fashion as Pirates controlled the contest sufficiently to defeat Chippa United by three goals without reply. The win also provided an immediate reply to the disappointment of dropping points against AmaZulu.

For Ouaddou, the performance was important not only because it restored Pirates’ position at the summit, but also because of the manner in which his players reacted to the demands placed on them after the previous match.

The coach will now hope the result against Chippa marks the start of a sustained positive run for the Buccaneers. With Pirates back at the top of the Betway Premiership, the focus will be on maintaining that position in the matches ahead.

The club’s supporters will also take encouragement from the team’s attacking contribution, with three different players scoring in Durban. Lungu’s individual recognition as Man of the Match added to an afternoon in which Pirates returned to winning form in decisive fashion.

The victory gives Ezimnyama Ngenkani renewed momentum after the draw with AmaZulu and puts them ahead of Kaizer Chiefs in the league standings. Ouaddou’s challenge now is to ensure the performance becomes the beginning of consistency rather than an isolated result.

Pirates’ victory also comes as attention remains on their wider ambitions, with the Buccaneers being backed by a superfan for MTN8 success ahead of a clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.

A press conference featuring Ouaddou was made available after the match.