Orlando Pirates move clear at top as Ouaddou targets Champions League success

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his side’s progress after their 4-0 Betway Premiership victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, a result which sent the Buccaneers three points clear at the top of the table.

The emphatic win against the league newcomers strengthened Pirates’ position ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who were due to play Milford FC later on Wednesday evening.

It was Orlando Pirates’ fourth victory in their past five league matches under Ouaddou. They have also scored 12 goals during that run and kept four clean sheets, underlining the strong start made by the Moroccan coach and his squad.

Ouaddou was pleased with the way his players carried out their instructions against Kruger United, but he quickly turned his attention to the challenges ahead. The coach identified the CAF Champions League as one of the club’s main priorities for the season, with Pirates determined to respond after what he described as a complete failure in the competition last campaign.

“I think we’re cruising well, it’s only the beginning of the season,” he said in his post-match presser on SuperSport TV.

“The boys are doing well; we’re following the momentum, the tempo.

“Lot of important game are coming and a big test is coming in the MTN8 [against Mamelodi Sundowns].

“It will be a really good game. We expect a lot of South African lover of football to come to watch that game. It will be the first test.

“Now, we’re going to rest the boys; we have the Champions League to focus on. That is one of the most important targets this season knowing that last season we completely failed this competition.

“This season, it’s [Champions League] is a really big target for us.”

The MTN8 meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns will provide Pirates with their first major test, according to Ouaddou. He expects strong interest from South African football supporters when the two leading clubs face one another.

For now, the coach intends to allow his players time to recover before beginning preparations for the CAF Champions League. The competition carries particular significance for Pirates because of their disappointment in last season’s campaign.

Ouaddou’s side will therefore approach the continental tournament with confidence generated by their domestic form, while remaining aware that the season is still at an early stage. Their victory over Kruger United has given them momentum, but the coach has already made clear that the club’s ambitions extend beyond leading the Betway Premiership standings.

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