“We faced Jesus in goal” – Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hails Siwelele Keeper after draw

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left in awe after the side were held to a 1–1 draw by Siwelele FC at a packed Orlando Amstel Arena in a Betway Premiership clash.

The Moroccan-born coach could hardly believe the performance of the opposing goalkeeper, joking that the Pirates had not faced a normal shot-stopper but “Jesus Christ in goal” during the encounter.

“First of all, we have to give credit to the goalkeeper; he was the Man of the Match,” Ouaddou said. “We didn’t have a goalkeeper today; we had Jesus Christ in the posts today. He saved everything, so we have to give him credit.”

Despite Orlando Pirates creating numerous chances, firing on target repeatedly, and pressing relentlessly, the Siwelele keeper produced a series of spectacular saves that denied the Sea Robbers the full three points.

“I don’t know if I have to say something to my players; they give everything, shots on target, created chances, but we had a wall in the goals, and I think he saved his team today. He did a fantastic job,” Ouaddou added, highlighting the exceptional performance that frustrated his side.

The draw means Pirates remain at the top of the PSL standings with 49 points, but their bid to extend the lead was curtailed. Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. sit just a point behind on 48 points and have a game in hand, giving them the opportunity to close the gap when they face Marumo Gallants F.C. in a midweek fixture.

For Ouaddou and his players, the focus now turns to bouncing back and ensuring that their title challenge remains strong in the closing stages of the season. While the stalemate was frustrating, the coach’s light-hearted praise of Siwelele’s goalkeeper underscored the fine margins in a competitive league where one inspired performance can keep a team from slipping.

The Pirates will now regroup during the Easter break, hoping to convert their dominance into victories in upcoming fixtures and maintain their push for the PSL crown.