Ouaddou delighted as Lungu helps Orlando Pirates reach league summit

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is a “happy coach” after new signing Gamphani Lungu scored again in Sunday’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Chippa United.

Lungu, a 27-year-old Zambia forward who joined the Buccaneers from Siwelele before the new season, opened the scoring with an impressive individual effort exactly an hour into the match at HollywoodBets Kings Park Stadium.

The goal was his second in four appearances for Orlando Pirates, following his dramatic winning strike on his debut in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

Ouaddou has been encouraged by how quickly Lungu has adapted to his new surroundings and believes the forward is part of a group of attacking players capable of giving the defending league champions greater variety in the final third.

“You can guess that I’m a happy coach when we find the net, because I’ve been asking for efficiency since last season,” said Ouaddou.

“So, you can imagine that when the players find the net like that, I’m very happy. It helps the team.

“And to know that we can be dangerous in the last third, and that you have some players that can be very dangerous, I think it’s very good for us.

“But not only him (Lungu), but I also need to see other players as well to show themselves in this last third, because we have a lot of quality players.”

Lungu’s contribution was followed by further second-half goals from Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami, completing a convincing victory for Orlando Pirates.

The result has lifted the Buccaneers to the top of the league standings after three matches. They have collected seven points from those opening fixtures and have made an unbeaten start to their campaign.

Ouaddou’s comments underline the importance he places on attacking efficiency, particularly after calling for greater effectiveness in front of goal since last season. The performance against Chippa United offered a strong response, with Orlando Pirates scoring three times and displaying the attacking depth available to the coach.

Lungu’s rapid impact has also added to competition among the club’s forward players. While Ouaddou praised the Zambia international, he stressed that other members of the squad must also demonstrate their ability in attacking positions.

The focus now turns from league action to the MTN8, with Orlando Pirates scheduled to face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their semi-final on Saturday. The match will take place at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

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