Ouaddou confident Fifa break will not disrupt Orlando Pirates’ momentum

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the Fifa international break has arrived at the right time and will not interrupt his side’s excellent run of form.

The Buccaneers have won their past five league matches, the latest a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

Pirates now have a chance to recover after a demanding period that has included fixtures in the league, MTN8 and Caf Champions League. Ouaddou believes the break will help his players recharge rather than unsettle them.

“To be honest, we’ve been playing for almost three days for two months. I always say that in a periodisation, you need to have at least a moment of regeneration break. It is very important,” he said.

“You cannot push the players until you break them, and we asked them a lot in terms of physical effort and in terms of concentration because they have many rules to follow, the game plan, and different opposition to play.

“You have to adapt to training, and you cannot understand that it is very difficult for the players. So, this Fifa break came at the right time to have some physiological regeneration for the players to rest and come back stronger.

“I don’t think it will break our momentum; this Fifa break comes at the right time to give some rest to players; it is necessary.”

Pirates have collected 19 points from seven matches and sit one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one match fewer. They have also conceded only once.

Ouaddou described the period since 24 June, when the team began its campaign, as the first cycle of the season and praised the work of his players before the international pause.

“We have finished the first cycle. When I say the first cycle, it’s since June 24, since we started until the first Fifa break. I think my boys really did well,” he said.

“We had some difficult moments since the beginning, but at least we scored a lot of goals. We didn’t concede too much.”

The coach said the team’s strength, commitment, organisation and discipline had been key to their progress, while acknowledging that Pirates must remain grounded.

“I think for now, if I have to give a resume of this first cycle, it’s just well done. Very positive in terms of strength, in terms of commitment, in terms of organisation, and in terms of discipline. It’s very difficult to play against Pirates.

“I have to stay very humble with our team, but we can say that we have become a points machine.

“It used to be some other teams that were points machines, but this season I think we are playing our role, our role of the champions, and we want to stay there, and we assume it.”