Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spelt out their next mission after assuming the Betway Premiership top spot with a 2-0 victory over Durban City FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers toppled Mamelodi Sundowns from the summit of the Betway Premiership log by collecting three points on the road. They are now three points clear at the top with Sundowns dropping to position two.
The latest development throws intrigue into the league title race, also breaking what had become the norm for Sundowns to slide into almost every December, enjoying the lead. That has left Pirates being regarded as serious contenders for the PSL crown.
The Buccaneers have not tasted the championship since the 2011/12 season, exerting pressure on them to live up to their traditional giants’ status.
Saturday’s match was Pirates’ last league game in 2025, and they will now switch focus to the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. The December 6 showdown will be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
OUADDOU CLEAR ABOUT PIRATES’ AMBITIONS
As the Soweto giants bid to present unquestionable league title credentials, Ouaddou has been open about their season ambitions. The Buccaneers have an opportunity to complete a cup double before the end of 2025 after clinching the MTN8 earlier in the season.
“Yes, of course I’m very happy with the result [against Durban City]. I think we finished the game well, especially in the second half,” Ouaddou said on SuperSport TV.
“I’m very proud of the boys, of the bravery, the fighting spirit, especially in the second half. I cannot say we had a fantastic first half, but it’s football, and I cannot blame them.
“We went into halftime and made some tactical adjustments, and they understand it. So, I don’t want to blame them for the first half. We finished well, and I have to check the log, but I think it’s good for our fans, our club. Now I want to focus on the [Carling Knockout] final. I will congratulate them. I will shake their hands, but tonight my focus is on the final.”
Pirates will be without Patrick Maswanganyi in the Carling Knockout final after the midfielder was booked against CT City to accumulate four yellow cards.
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