Abdeslam Ouaddou makes bullish Orlando Pirates claim

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made a bullish claim about his team amid a strong start to the 2026/27 campaign, as they look to defend their domestic treble and compete for continental glory.

The Betway Premiership title holders trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a single point, having picked up 19 points in seven league outings, albeit played one game less than the African champions.

Pirates have impressively conceded one goal in the league to date, which is the least number of goals shipped in, and have found the back of the net 16 times, only three goals behind Miguel Cardoso's men.

Ouaddou, as a result, reserved special praise for his charges after a 2-0 win at the expense of Marumo Gallants over the weekend, in what was their last fixture before the first FIFA International break.

“We have finished the first cycle, since the 24th of June when we started [pre-season] until the first FIFA break. I think my boys really did well, I have to give them credit since the 24th of June,” said the Pirates boss.

"We had some difficult moments since the beginning in terms of how we play, but at least we scored a lot of goals, we didn't concede too much. I think for now if I have to give a resume of this first cycle - it's just well done.

"Very positive in terms of strength, in terms of commitment, in terms of organization, in terms of discipline.

The 47-year-old tactician went on to make a bullish declaration, stating that Pirates have stripped Sundowns of the points machine tag, and says they prefer to be chased instead of chasing, as the defending champions.

“It's very difficult to play against Pirates. I have to stay very humble with our team but we can say that we became a point machine. It used to be some other teams that are point machines, but this season I think we are playing our role of champions,” Ouaddou added.

"We want to stay there and we want to assume it, not to chase, and we want to be chased. And it's the mentality that I want to give to the boys, to become a point machine, to be efficient, to play a fantastic football with speed, with intensity, with no room for improvisation, no room for funny things. It's the image that I want to give to my team.

Notably, Pirates will be gunning for their record-extending fifth consecutive MTN8 title when they lock horns with Sundowns in a humdinger of a top eight final after the three-week FIFA hiatus.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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