Ouaddou demands more from Orlando Pirates after 3-0 cup win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou warned his players they must improve after their 3-0 victory over Milford in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

Tshepang Moremi scored twice and Thapelo Mokobodi added another goal before half-time to send the defending champions into the quarter-finals.

But Ouaddou was unhappy that Pirates failed to make greater use of the 24 chances they created, particularly with Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium approaching.

“Yes, I’m happy about the qualification, but a big club like Pirates, I think we should do better,” Ouaddou told the media at his post-match press conference.

“For a big club looking to win the CAF Champions League, to win the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout, it is not enough.

“We had 24 chances with three goals. Can I be satisfied? No. I think we have to wake up and know we are playing for a big club, a big institution. We are not here to nurse people. We are very ambitious.

“Pirates are a giant in Africa, but if we want to stay small, we can continue like that. Well done for the qualification, but I can’t go home and sleep happily.”

The coach also challenged players who have found opportunities limited to make a stronger case when selected.

“And the message to the players who say they don’t play too much. When I give them a chance, they have to take it, because sometimes the train stops once in the station and not twice,” he said.

Ouaddou said he measured the expectations at Orlando Pirates against those at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, naming Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as examples.

“I’m comparing Pirates to Arsenal, to Paris [Saint-Germain], Barcelona, and when you are playing for such a big club, you need to have this culture of winning every three days,” he added.

“You are not tired; if I have to kill the opponent with eight, I have to do that.

“What are we doing in the box? We are here to joke? No, we are here to score goals; we have to show everyone this is the best team and to send a big message.

“We cannot be selfish. When my teammate is in a better position, I give him the ball.”

The result keeps Orlando Pirates’ bid to retain the Carling Knockout on course, but Ouaddou said the performance had not met the standards required by a club targeting success in the CAF Champions League, the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout.