Ouaddou warns Orlando Pirates they must improve despite cup win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has criticised his side’s performance despite their 3-0 victory over Milford FC in the Carling Knockout on Tuesday.

A brace from Tshepang Moremi and a goal from Thapelo Mokobodi secured the Buccaneers’ place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

However, Ouaddou was unimpressed with his players’ decision-making, particularly in the second half, and warned that they must improve if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.

“The positive point, I think, is the win. I will only retain this victory because I was not happy about how we played,” he told SuperSport.

“We didn’t have control, we had a lot of precipitation, we were selfish. A lot of players were selfish instead of giving the ball to a teammate who was in a good position to score.

“There was a lot of wrong decision-making. The positive point is these three goals and a clean sheet, but, to be honest, if we want to dream bigger, to win the Betway Premiership and the Champions League, we need to improve.”

Ouaddou also warned that Pirates risk falling short of their targets if they continue to produce performances below his expectations.

The coach urged his players to raise their standards as the fixtures begin to pile up, with Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs looming.

“If we continue like that, we’re going to win nothing, and we have to be honest. I was not happy about the game. The positive point is that we go to the next stage, but there are a lot of players who really need to wake up,” he said.

“We need to wake up. I’m not here to please people. When we’re playing for such a big brand and when we are ambitious to play on the continent, we need to wake up.

“When we sign a contract for Pirates, we need to give more. We need to play at another level, to be honest.”

The French-Moroccan coach also stressed the importance of mental and physical readiness, particularly for players expected to make an impact during squad rotation.

“This is the high level. When you have the ambition to play high-level football, you need to be ready every three days mentally and physically, and you need to deliver,” he added.

“I’m expecting a lot from the impact players.”

Pirates will now turn their attention to the Soweto Derby, where they will look to build on their cup victory against their fierce rivals.