Ouaddou challenges Orlando Pirates to maintain unbeaten run after strong start

Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged Orlando Pirates to maintain their high standards after the club completed the opening phase of the season unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions.

The Buccaneers ended that run of fixtures with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, taking maximum points from their opening cycle before the first international break.

Ouaddou’s side are also firmly among the leading teams in the Betway Premiership. Pirates are within one point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and have a game in hand.

However, the Moroccan coach said the unbeaten record would mean little unless his team could reproduce the same level of performance when domestic action resumes.

“It’s the end of the first cycle as we head into the first international break. We wanted maximum points in this cycle and not to concede a lot of goals as well, and we did our best to achieve that,” he said.

“This game showed what Pirates are about and I hope we can keep the consistency when we come back.”

Ouaddou insisted the result against Gallants had not come easily, despite the two-goal margin.

“To be honest, we won 2-0 but this game was very difficult,” he told SuperSport TV. “This team has energy and they are very powerful so it was a tough game.”

The opening cycle has also helped Ouaddou identify players who are becoming increasingly important to his plans, including Thapelo Mokobodi.

The midfielder played a decisive role against his former club, supplying both assists before being named Player of the Match. Ouaddou previously worked with Mokobodi during his time at Marumo Gallants and has followed his progress closely.

“Since this boy came, he’s been fantastic for us. I’ve known him since Marumo days but he is very good for us now,” said Ouaddou.

“He can make his teammates play, he can score and create goals as well and I hope he can keep this going for the rest of the season.”

Pirates now have three weeks to prepare for their return to competitive action. Their next major fixture will be the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10.

That match will offer Ouaddou an early opportunity to assess whether his team can carry the standards established during the first cycle into the next stage of the season.