Zothwane explains why unbeaten Orlando Pirates are so difficult to beat

Orlando Pirates’ all-round quality has made them a formidable opponent in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership, according to Sekhukhune United head coach Papi Zothwane.

Pirates have won all four of their meetings with Sekhukhune this season in all competitions, scoring seven goals without conceding. The teams still have one league fixture to play.

Their most recent victory came in the Carling Knockout Cup, where a 1-0 win in Orlando sent Orlando Pirates through to the semi-finals, where they will face Stellenbosch FC.

Zothwane said opponents must balance their own attacking plans with the need to limit the threat posed by Pirates.

> “My opinion? Pirates has many quality players – as a coach, you always know you will find it difficult to challenge them pound for pound, you always have to play them, knowing their strengths, because offensively they are a threat,” he said.

> “You can’t be naive and play Pirates with high press, leaving space [in behind] you always have to be cautious, but again I say, it goes to the players, when they playing Pirates, do they respect the players more than themselves.”

Pirates’ record under Ouaddou

Since Abdeslam Ouaddou took charge at the Buccaneers, Orlando Pirates have developed into a consistent points-winning side in the league.

The Moroccan’s tenure began with consecutive defeats by Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, but the results that followed have been close to perfect. His next 37 matches brought 29 wins, seven draws and only one defeat.

During that run, Pirates scored 78 goals and conceded 11 as they won their first league title since 2012.

Zothwane believes his own squad has the ability to compete with Pirates, but said his side have struggled to turn that belief into a result when facing them.

> “If you are playing Pirates, you have to think about your team, your plans, what you want to do – you can’t be preaching about the threat always and not thinking about what we can do, our talent, execute the defined roles you must play,” he continued.

> “Maybe it’s overthinking and anxiety for players sometimes, but it depends on the game and the plans for us as coaches – and the players. But they are a quality team and personally, for me? I feel we have players that can go pound for pound with Pirates, compete and win matches. It’s just unfortunate, when we come here, it’s always difficult to win.”

Across all competitions, Ouaddou has managed 63 matches at the Soweto club, recording 48 wins, nine draws and six defeats.

His honours with Orlando Pirates currently include the league title, the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.