Oswin Appolis of Orlando Pirates shoots towards goal during the Betway Premiership match against Amazulu at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou refused to get carried away despite his side’s commanding 3-0 victory over AmaZulu FC, insisting there is still another level to reach as the title race intensifies.
The Buccaneers produced a dominant display at the Orlando Amstel Arena to climb back to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings, but their coach was quick to point out that the scoreline did not fully reflect their superiority.
“I’m very happy for the boys but again if we want to be honest, it’s a game that could’ve finished with 7-0 definitely,” he said.
Pirates dictated proceedings from start to finish, carving out numerous opportunities while restricting AmaZulu to minimal attacking threat.
It was a performance that highlighted their attacking depth, with Relebohile Mofokeng once again at the centre of their most dangerous moments.
However, Ouaddou’s focus remains firmly on what lies ahead rather than what has just passed.
The victory comes at a critical stage of the campaign, with Pirates locked in a tense battle with Mamelodi Sundowns.
While the win lifted them to the top of the table, Sundowns still hold two games in hand — a reality that keeps the advantage leaning towards the defending champions.
“We have to keep going, I think it was a good moment for us just before the (Soweto) derby,” Ouaddou added.
That looming clash against Kaizer Chiefs adds another layer of significance, with momentum now crucial as Pirates look to maintain pressure at the top.
More telling, though, was the clarity of Ouaddou’s message to his players regarding the run-in.
“Before the game I told them we have six games remaining, 18 points on the table and those are six finals because we’re fighting till the end.”
It is a mindset built on urgency and discipline.
Pirates have shown they possess the firepower and quality to go toe-to-toe with the best, but their title ambitions now hinge on perfection in the closing weeks.
Even at their most dominant, as this performance showed, Ouaddou is demanding more — because in a race shaped by fine margins and Sundowns’ games in hand, anything less than relentless consistency will not be enough.