Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is relying on his most seasoned players to navigate the intense closing stages of the Betway Premiership title race.

With ten matches remaining, the Soweto giants are tied at the summit with Mamelodi Sundowns, both clubs sitting on 47 points.

While the Sundowns chase a ninth consecutive league crown, the Pirates face the challenge of limited experience in clinching top-flight championships.

Ouaddou acknowledges this gap but believes the presence of players familiar with title-winning pressures will be pivotal.

“You need character and personality, you need hunger, someone who is hungry every day, not just in games, but also in training. You have to show every day in training that you want to be a champion. And that shows in the way you train, in taking care of your lifestyle, your body, it all starts there,” the coach explained.

The manager also highlighted the importance of mixing youthful energy with proven experience.

“Of course, to be ambitious, you need experience, you need to mix that hunger with a bit of experience – guys who have already lived through this situation, who have been through this moment and who sometimes know how to slow the game down, who know, when the pressure mounts, how to get the ball onto the field, who can communicate with the young players because they have that experience.”

Key players such as Thabiso Lebitso and Sipho Mbule are expected to play crucial roles in guiding the younger squad members through the pressure of the title chase.

Ouaddou added, “So, clearly, I’ll need experienced players. I’m happy because some are coming back, and I’ll really need them.”

The Pirates return to league action on Saturday, March 14, hosting Siwelele FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena, in what promises to be a decisive fixture in their push for the Premiership crown.