Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side were left frustrated after a 1-1 draw with Siwelele FC slowed their momentum in the race for the league title.

The Soweto club remain at the top of the standings with 48 points, holding a narrow one-point lead.

However, Pirates have played one match more than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving their advantage vulnerable as the defending champions continue their pursuit of another title.

The draw on Saturday therefore dealt a setback to the Buccaneers’ push at the summit, particularly with Sundowns seeking a ninth consecutive league crown and set to return to action shortly.

Despite the disappointment, Ouaddou insisted his team must remain focused and continue battling until the end of the season.

The coach acknowledged the result felt like a missed opportunity after Pirates created several chances during the match.

“We can’t lie and say we’re not disappointed, because we feel we dropped two points at home considering the way the game unfolded, the opportunities created, the possession and the shots on target,” commented the Pirates’ coach.

Pirates controlled large periods of the match but were unable to convert their dominance into the decisive goal that might have secured victory.

The stalemate leaves the title race delicately balanced, with every point likely to prove crucial as the season approaches its final stages.

Ouaddou, however, suggested the importance of the draw may only become clear later in the campaign.

While acknowledging the frustration within the squad, he emphasised that the fight for the championship remains open.

“But for us, we have to fight until the end of the season because in the end, this point could prove valuable. But it’s only at the end of the season that we can really judge whether it’s two points lost or one point gained against the opponent. Let’s fight to the very end.”

Pirates will now turn their attention to their next league fixture as they attempt to regain momentum.

The Buccaneers travel to Mbombela Stadium where they are scheduled to face TS Galaxy on Sunday, 22 March.

The upcoming match offers Pirates an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table and maintain pressure in a title race that continues to tighten.

With the season entering a decisive period, Ouaddou’s side know that further slips could prove costly in their pursuit of the championship.