Orlando Pirates eye statement win against Mamelodi Sundowns as Abdeslam Ouaddou demands focus and goals

When Orlando Pirates visit Betway Premiership log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, there’ll be nothing that the Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants to see from his team more than goals and a clean sheet.

Pirates progressed to the Carling Knockout semi-finals on Tuesday after eliminating defending champions Magesi from the competition at a buzzing Orlando Stadium.

However, Ouaddou wasn’t entirely happy with his troops, as they took their foot off the pedal by "showboating" in the last quarter of the match, and conceded a late consolation goal to Lehlogonolo Mokone, after leading through goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa.

While Ouaddou was pleased with their progression to the last four of the Carling Knockout after two previous failed attempts, he knows they can’t afford to “showboat” in the league, where points and goal difference can prove crucial at the end of the season.

So, with Pirates’ next league fixture away to direct rivals Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.30pm), there’s nothing Ouaddou will want more from his team than a solid performance.

After all, a victory for the Sea Robbers would see them draw level with the Brazilians on 21 points, while still having the advantage of a game in hand.

“As a coach, I want my players to know that football is about scoring goals,” Ouaddou said. “So, when you have the possibility to score goals, then score goals.

“Like I said before, at the end of the league season, all the goals are very important. So, they mustn’t joke. We are here to perform and deliver results. If someone wants to enjoy and joke around, then no problem — they can start a five-a-side with their colleagues.

“We are not here to joke; we are here to achieve targets as a team.”

One of the players Ouaddou will be looking to for goals is Moremi. After finally getting over his sluggish start at the club this season, Moremi has been crucial for Pirates up front, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in 14 games across all competitions.

“I always say that for people who work hard and believe in themselves, there’s a reward,” Ouaddou said. “You’ve seen that this guy has been working hard since the beginning.

“It’s not easy. It’s not easy. You followed his first steps in the team, and you’ve seen that the technical team has been behind him and supporting him. It’s not finished — we still need to keep working with him so that he can continue to improve.”

Moremi cannot do it alone, though. That’s why Ouaddou explained his decision to rotate his players and not rush those returning from injuries.

Yanela Mbuthuma and Camren Dansin earned rare starts in the striking and midfield departments respectively against Magesi, as Ouaddou rested some of his regulars with an eye on the weekend clash. He explained that he was happy with everyone’s contribution.

“The players that I have are enough to provide rotation while giving a chance to everyone,” Ouaddou said. “You saw today that we gave everyone a chance and brought in some freshness.

“I think it’s important to evolve the group. My philosophy says I can’t have 30 players and play only 18. It doesn’t make sense. There could be risks of injuries or players losing fitness, so it’s important to maintain dynamism.”

Pirates needed the win against Magesi to take a huge morale boost into the weekend clash and bounce back after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League preliminary qualifiers by St. Eloi Lupopo at home on Saturday afternoon via penalties.

“We wanted to play in all the competitions and win them,” Ouaddou said. “Unfortunately, the most important competition is over, but it doesn’t change our plans. We are very ambitious, and we’re still going to give everything in all the other competitions.”