Ouaddou says unbeaten Pirates have become a ‘points machine’

Abdeslam Ouaddou says defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have developed into a “points machine” after an unbeaten start to the new season.

Pirates have taken 19 points from their opening seven league matches, winning six and drawing one. They have scored 16 goals and conceded only once.

The Buccaneers are second in the league table, one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a match more.

Ouaddou’s assessment echoes comments made by former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, who previously described Sundowns as a “points machine” during his time in charge. The phrase underlined the difficulty of competing with the perennial league champions.

The Moroccan has also faced questions over whether his methods have altered the identity and style established under Riveiro. However, Ouaddou believes his team are forming a distinct approach based on intensity, discipline and efficiency.

“We had generally a good game, when we finished the first cycle, it’s since the 24th of June, since we started until the first FIFA break, I think my boys did very well,” Ouaddou said.

“I have to give them credit in terms of how we played football, we had some difficult moments in the beginning, but at least we scored many goals and didn’t concede too much.”

The Pirates head coach said the early results reflected the players’ response to his demands, particularly in terms of organisation and discipline.

“I think… for now, if I have to give a resume of this first circle, it’s just well done, well done, very positive and in terms of strength, commitment, organisation, in term of discipline, it’s very difficult to play against Pirates,” he added.

Ouaddou then set out a change in mentality he wants to see from the champions. Rather than pursuing the teams above them, he wants Pirates to embrace the responsibility of being the side others are trying to catch.

“I have to stay very humble with our team but we can say that we became a point machine, it used to be some other teams that are point machine, but this season we are playing our role, our role of the champions and we want to stay there,” he explained.

“We want to assume it, not to chase, we want to be chased, the mentality I want to give to the boys.”

Although he stressed the value of results, Ouaddou also described the style he wants Pirates to represent.

“To become point machines, to become efficient, to play fantastic football with speed, with intensity, with no room for improvisation, no room for funny things, it’s the image that I want to give to my team,” he concluded.

Pirates remain unbeaten in the league and have conceded just once, giving Ouaddou’s side an impressive early platform in their title defence.