Abdeslaam Ouaddou demands more from Orlando Pirates after Carling Knockout win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslaam Ouaddou warned his players they must improve despite their convincing 3-0 victory over Milford in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

The result secured Pirates’ place in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid to retain the trophy. Tshepang Moremi scored twice, while Thapelo Mokobodi added the other goal, with all three strikes coming in the first half.

But Ouaddou was dissatisfied with the way his side converted their chances. Pirates created 24 opportunities and, with a Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday, the coach believes they should have delivered a stronger statement.

“Yes, I’m happy about the qualification, but a big club like Pirates, I think we should do better. For a big club looking to win the CAF Champions League, to win the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout, it is not enough,” Ouaddou told the media during his post-match press conference.

“We had 24 chances with three goals. Can I be satisfied? No. I think we have to wake up and know we are playing for a big club, a big institution. We are not here to nurse people. We are very ambitious.

“Pirates are a giant in Africa, but if we want to stay small, we can continue like that. Well done for the qualification, but I can’t go home and sleep happily.”

Ouaddou also challenged the players who have had fewer opportunities to make the most of their chances when selected.

“And the message to the players who say they don’t play too much. When I give them a chance, they have to take it, because sometimes the train stops once in the station and not twice,” he said.

The coach compared the standards expected at Pirates with those at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, saying his players must develop a relentless winning mentality.

“I’m comparing Pirates to Arsenal, to Paris [Saint-Germain], Barcelona, and when you are playing for such a big club, you need to have this culture of winning every three days.

“You are not tired; if I have to kill the opponent with eight, I have to do that.

“What are we doing in the box? We are here to joke? No, we are here to score goals; we have to show everyone this is the best team and to send a big message.

“We cannot be selfish. When my teammate is in a better position, I give him the ball.”