Former Orlando Pirates midfielder William Mokoena believes the current Buccaneers squad is built to win silverware, rather than making excuses.
Mokoena says the Buccaneers have clearly raised their levels under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, pointing to improved fitness, tempo and balance compared to last season.
The term started with an early stumble as the Sea Robbers lost back-to-back league games to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in August. The turnaround witnessed a 10-match unbeaten streak that included nine wins and a draw.
The CAF Champions League exit at the hands of FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo could have knocked Pirates off course. Instead, Ouaddou’s side steadied themselves, regrouped and responded in a manner that reflected a team with strong character and belief. They won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup. In addition, Pirates will end the year 2025 at the summit of the Betway Premiership table.
According to Mokoena, early doubts around Ouaddou’s appointment have faded, with the coach now earning credit for the high quality and stability he has brought to the side.
“This new coach [Abdeslam Ouaddou] came to the party,” Mokoena said on Soccer Beat. “There are a lot of changes, fitness-wise.
MOKOENA: ‘ORLANDO PIRATES ARE MORE FIT NOW’
“Pirates are not playing like last season. They are more fit now. You can see even [Oswin Appollis] is running up and down, a box-to-box player. You can see Pirates’ game, their tempo is too high.
“It was going to be a joke if Pirates didn’t win anything this season. I don’t want to lie. With the squad they have, there are no excuses. They have to win the league. They have to focus on taking the league. It has been way too long now. We have to come up with something.
“I will be very happy for the coach to continue winning trophies.
“Remember when he arrived, most people questioned the appointment. Now they have seen the coach. Everything looks balanced. I don’t see any changes coming. If it is not broken, don’t fix it,” Mokoena concluded.
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