‘We didn’t deserve to win today’ – Abdeslam Ouaddou tears into Orlando Pirates despite 2-0 win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s performance after admitting their 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United was their worst display since his arrival at the club.

The Buccaneers secured another important three points in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, but the result did little to satisfy the French-Moroccan coach, who was deeply unimpressed by the manner of the victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pirates defeated Sekhukhune for the second time in four days, following their 1-0 success in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final, but Ouaddou believes the latest result flattered his side.

Boitumelo Radiopane put the hosts ahead before Oswin Appollis doubled their advantage after the break. However, Ouaddou felt Sekhukhune were the superior side for significant periods and criticised his players for failing to establish control in midfield.

Ouaddou: ‘We didn’t deserve to win’

The Pirates coach was particularly unhappy with his team’s lack of authority in the middle of the pitch, as well as their predictable approach in possession.

“I think it’s the worst half of football we’ve had since I arrived at Pirates. We didn’t have any control of the game in the heart of the middle and that’s where the game is important. We were too predictable, there was no diversity in what we were doing,” Ouaddou said.

Despite Pirates eventually claiming a convincing-looking victory, the coach refused to let the scoreline conceal what he regarded as a poor overall performance.

“I’m happy for the three points, the boys and the fans but we didn’t deserve to win today, they (Sekhukhune) were far better than us.”

The victory nevertheless had a significant impact on the league table, moving Pirates to 10 points and keeping them at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

For Ouaddou, however, the problems exposed by Sekhukhune could become more costly if they are not addressed quickly.

MTN8 clash raises the stakes

The two teams will meet for a third time in just over a week when they contest the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

Pirates enter the decisive encounter with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, meaning they remain in pole position to reach the final.

But Ouaddou knows his team cannot afford another performance like Tuesday’s if they are to finish the job.

Sekhukhune’s display has given the Pirates coach plenty to consider ahead of the cup tie, particularly regarding his team’s midfield structure and attacking play.

The Buccaneers struggled to dictate the tempo against Babina Noko and repeatedly failed to create the kind of sustained control their coach expects.

With only a few days available to make corrections, Ouaddou has challenged his players to find answers quickly.

‘It could be very difficult’

The urgency surrounding Saturday’s semi-final was underlined by the coach’s warning that Pirates could pay a heavy price if they fail to correct the issues identified against Sekhukhune.

“If we can’t find a solution in three days, it could be very difficult,” Ouaddou said.

His blunt verdict means the 2-0 scoreline will offer little comfort heading into the decisive MTN8 encounter.

While Pirates remain unbeaten against Sekhukhune across their two meetings in four days and continue to lead the league, Ouaddou’s assessment suggests there is considerable work to do before Saturday.

For a side chasing a place in the MTN8 final, the performance rather than the result may ultimately prove the more important warning.