Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou likens South African league race to EPL

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has drawn a striking comparison between South Africa’s Betway Premiership title race and one of football’s most gripping rivalries, likening his side’s pursuit of Mamelodi Sundowns to the fierce battle between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.

Fresh off a convincing 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium, Ouaddou spoke with conviction about the Buccaneers’ determination to keep the title race alive, insisting that their fight mirrors the kind of high-stakes competition seen at the very top of world football.

Pirates currently sit second on the Betway Premiership standings with 62 points, five behind table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns. With only a handful of matches remaining, the Soweto giants are refusing to back down, clinging to the belief that the title race is far from over.

“In every league, in every country, you see these kinds of battles,” Ouaddou said. “If you look at England, Manchester City and Arsenal are fighting—it’s the same fight we are seeing here in South Africa.”

The Moroccan tactician emphasized that such tight competition is exactly what the league needs, arguing that unpredictability keeps fans engaged and elevates the overall spectacle.

“It creates a lot of interest for the fans. It’s not exciting when, ten games before the end of the season, you already know who will win the league,” he explained. “If supporters can predict the champion from the beginning, they lose interest.”

Ouaddou believes Pirates are playing a crucial role in restoring that competitive edge this season, pushing Sundowns and ensuring the title race remains alive deep into the campaign.

“This season, we are trying to bring more competitiveness. The boys have done really well so far. Let’s see what happens at the end, but the most important thing is to keep this competition going until the final day.”

The former Marumo Gallants coach also described the win over Stellenbosch as a valuable test of his team’s resilience, especially with tougher challenges looming.

“It was a very good test for us because you never know what will happen in the next matches against direct rivals. For us, the dream is still alive.”

With momentum building and belief growing inside the Pirates camp, Ouaddou’s message is clear: the Buccaneers are not just chasing points—they are fighting to redefine the title race. And like Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of Manchester City, Pirates are determined to push Sundowns all the way to the finish line.