Abdeslam Ouaddou dismisses title talk as Orlando Pirates lose control of Premiership destiny

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou cut a figure of frustration on Saturday, insisting his disappointment stemmed from dropped points rather than the broader Betway Premiership title race, after his side were held to a goalless draw by Durban City at Orlando Stadium.

The result in their penultimate fixture left the Buccaneers second on the standings with 66 points, two behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and represented a costly missed opportunity in a finely balanced championship chase heading into the final stretch of the season.

The implications were significant given that Sundowns have already completed their league campaign. A win for Pirates would have drawn them level on points with the champions and, crucially, placed them top of the table on goal difference.

Instead, the draw leaves their fate hanging until the final matchday. Pirates must now defeat Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium to reach 69 points and surpass Sundowns, a result that could finally end their 14-year wait for domestic league success.

Despite growing external anticipation around a possible title swing, Ouaddou remained firm that his approach was not dictated by celebrations or expectations beyond the next match.

He dismissed suggestions that his squad had been distracted by the title picture going into the game. “We wanted to collect maximum points, and I want to be clear that we were not thinking about the title because a lot of people were celebrating before the game even started. They got out the champagne before the end,” Ouaddou said.

Ouaddou further stressed that the objective was straightforward, pointing to consistency in his messaging throughout the season. He noted that while the result was disappointing, the broader picture remained alive heading into the decisive final fixture.

“We are clear: the target was three points in front of our fans. It didn’t happen. But if you remember what I said before the start of the season, the title would probably be decided in the last game. And we are still in that conversation.”

Attention now shifts to a potentially tense finale at Mbombela Stadium, where Pirates face Orbit College, a side battling for survival. Orbit sit in the relegation play-off position with 24 points, just one behind Marumo Gallants and three ahead of Magesi FC.