Orlando Pirates look to extend winning streak against struggling Siwelele FC

Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action as they look to extend their winning run against struggling Siwelele FC at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off).

Fresh off a commanding 3-0 CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg victory over Lesotho’s Lioli FC on Saturday, the Buccaneers return to league duties for the first time since their 3-0 triumph over Chippa United at the end of August. The team will be hoping to maintain momentum and continue their climb up the Premiership table.

They face a Siwelele side that has encountered numerous challenges since purchasing the status of Supersport United at the start of the season. Currently sitting 14th on the log, the Lehlohonolo Seema-led outfit will head into the clash without assistant coach Andre Arendse, who recently parted ways with the club. 

Former Bloemfontein Celtics defender Willem Jackson is set to step in to assist head coach Seema, adding fresh guidance to a side struggling for consistency.The two sides are also set to meet in the upcoming Carling Knockout competition, adding extra intrigue to their Premiership encounter.

Pirates suffered a 2-1 defeat on their last trip to Bloemfontein against Marumo Gallants earlier this season, but the team has since turned their campaign around. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasised that the players’ trust in him has been central to fostering unity within the squad.

“When you’re part of Orlando Pirates and competing in multiple competitions, it’s important to manage players,” Ouaddou said.

“You have to try to give time to everyone and satisfy them. It’s not easy, but it’s how you earn the trust of the group because you involve everyone. If you only play with 15 players while you have 30, what about the rest?

“We are playing frequently and in multiple competitions. You have to plan accordingly if you want to be victorious in as many tournaments as possible, and that requires freshness in the squad.”

As the transfer window nears its close, the Buccaneers have been among the more active clubs, and the impact of their acquisitions has begun to show in recent performances. Much of the responsibility rests on Ouaddou to ensure consistent results across competitions.

The Moroccan tactician has maintained a degree of consistency in his team selections in recent matches, though significant talent remains on the fringes. With plenty of options to pick from, Ouaddou believes the current squad provides the balance he requires to challenge for top honours.

“I am happy with the group I have,” Ouaddou said.

“I am working well with them; they have a fantastic mentality and are also very good human beings. The dressing room is one of the best I have had since I became a coach.

“The players are educated and give their all. It will be up to my bosses to decide if we need more strength. I am here to train the players and produce results, but at this moment, I am happy with the squad I have.”

Facing a struggling Siwelele side, Pirates arrive as strong favorites, brimming with confidence and eager to extend their winning streak on Tuesday as they look to make giant steps towards their first league title since 2012.