Ouaddou demands consistency from in-form Orlando Pirates strikers

Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane to maintain their recent scoring form after the Orlando Pirates forwards combined for five goals in their past five matches.

The pair endured a difficult start to the season as Pirates struggled to find the net, but both have now begun to make a greater impact in front of goal.

However, Ouaddou says their improved form must continue throughout the campaign.

“At this club, you don’t have time to sleep,” said the Orlando Pirates tactician. “Well done to them [Mbuthuma and Radiopane], but the season is long, so you can’t score in one or two games and then go to sleep. You have to stay awake all the time.”

Ouaddou had previously expressed his frustration publicly and called on the two strikers to raise their performances. He said that decision was intended to encourage them during a challenging period, rather than simply criticise them.

“Sometimes when you make this call publicly, it’s a way to touch the players,” he said. “Of course I always have internal conversations with them, but calling them out publicly is sometimes my way to motivate them.

“I said that I needed an answer from them, and both of them gave me very good answers straight away. Now the most important thing for me is consistency … you can’t be blowing hot and cold; you need consistency in every competition we are participating in.”

The manager also believes Pirates have further attacking options available, although three of his other forwards are currently unavailable or not fully fit.

“We still have some weapons. I’m waiting for Makgopa to come back [after a knee injury]. I’m still waiting for Pedersen [who’s been struggling with fitness] and Luthuli as well. So, I really have a big hope this season with the strikers we have,” Ouaddou said.

Mbuthuma is expected to lead the Pirates attack when they host Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena in a league match tonight.

League fixtures

Tonight: Pirates v Durban, Orlando (7.30pm)

Saturday: Bay v Sekhukhune, Princess Magogo Stadium (3pm); Polokwane v AmaZulu, Old Peter Mokaba (5.30pm); Kruger v Stellenbosch, Mbombela (8pm).

Sunday: Arrows v Chiefs, Mbombela (3pm); Milford v Durban, Sugar Ray (3pm); Gallants v Pirates, Royal Bafokeng (3pm); Galaxy v Chippa, Solomon Mahlangu (5.30pm).

Fifa Intercontinental Cup fixture

Saturday: Sundowns v Al Ahli (Saudi), Loftus Versfeld (3pm).