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

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou criticised his players’ finishing despite their 3-0 victory over Milford FC in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday, saying a club of their stature should have scored far more.

Pirates scored all three goals before half-time to secure a place in the quarter-finals without conceding. However, their performance after the interval left Ouaddou frustrated, particularly after the side created 24 opportunities.

“It is a game that could have finished with eight goals,” he said.

“For a big club like Pirates, we should do better. For a club looking to win the Champions League, the Betway, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout, it is not enough.”

Ouaddou acknowledged the positive result but made clear that he was not satisfied with the attacking display.

“We had 24 chances, 24 chances with the amount of three goals. Can I be satisfied? No,” he said.

The coach said his players needed to recognise the standards required at Orlando Pirates, who he described as “a giant in Africa”.

“We have to wake up and know that we are playing for a big club. We are not here to nurse people. We are very ambitious,” he added.

“I cannot go home and sleep happy [after the 3-0 win].”

Ouaddou also challenged players who have had limited game time to make the most of their opportunities when selected.

“For the players who don’t play too much, when I give them the chance, they have to take it because sometimes the train only stops once at the station, it doesn’t stop twice,” he said.

He expects Pirates to develop the mentality to compete consistently, regardless of the demands of their schedule.

“When you are playing for such a big club, you need to have this culture of winning every three days and you are not tired,” said Ouaddou.

“I’m coming to the pitch to win and if I have to kill the opportunity with eight, I kill him with eight. I cannot be satisfied to go home with three [goals] when I have 24 chances.”

The manager said Pirates must be more ruthless and less individualistic in front of goal if they are to demonstrate their ambition.

“We are here to score goals and show everybody that Pirates is the best team and send a big impression,” he said.

“You cannot come here to chill and to kick outside and be selfish. When my teammate is in a better position, I give him the ball because if he scores, it is like I score.”

Ouaddou added that representing Orlando Pirates required players to change their approach in every match and respect the club’s identity.

“When you wear this shirt of Pirates, you need to transform yourself in every game. I’m not here to nurse anybody. I don’t have time,” he said.

“I’m not hiding. What I’m telling you now is what I will tell them in the dressing room.”

He concluded: “The behaviour and values are the foundation of all projects, respect the badge. You have to deserve to play for a big club.”