Orlando Pirates set best-ever start under Abdeslam Ouaddou with 13 points

Orlando Pirates have made their strongest start under Abdeslam Ouaddou, taking 13 points from their opening five Betway Premiership matches while scoring twice as many goals as they had managed at the same stage last season.

The Buccaneers strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 4-0 victory over newcomers Kruger United. Yanela Mbuthuma scored twice, while Gamphani Lungu and Boitumelo Radiopane were also on target.

That result leaves Pirates three points clear at the summit. They have dropped points in only one of their five league fixtures, drawing 1-1 with AmaZulu on a rainy night in Durban.

The Soweto club have won their other four matches, giving them an 80% winning rate in the league. That represents a significant improvement on the corresponding point in the previous campaign, when they had won 60% of their games.

Ouaddou is in his second season in charge, having taken over for the first time last term. His tenure began under considerable pressure after Pirates lost their opening two matches against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.

The former Gallants head coach responded to that difficult start with three successive victories. Pirates then defeated Stellenbosch, Orbit College and Chippa United to revive their campaign.

At the same point last season, Pirates had collected nine points and were fifth in the standings. Their position followed a 3-0 victory over Chippa United on 31 August 2025, but their overall start had been less productive than the one they have made this season.

The biggest difference has come in attack. Pirates had scored six goals after five league games in the previous campaign. This season, their tally has reached 12 following the emphatic victory against Kruger United.

Their defensive record has also remained strong. Pirates conceded only three goals after five matches last season, and they have allowed just one this time around.

The latest result therefore combines greater attacking output with an even tighter defence, giving Ouaddou a more convincing platform than he had during his first campaign in charge.

Pirates’ only blemish so far is the draw with AmaZulu, while the wins over Stellenbosch, Orbit College, Chippa United and Kruger United have placed them at the head of the Betway Premiership table. Their 13-point total is also four more than they had accumulated after the opening five fixtures last season.