Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered his verdict on his side’s pre-season progress following their opening two friendly matches in Spain, expressing satisfaction with how the squad is shaping up.
The Buccaneers are back in the European country for the third year running to prepare for the upcoming season. Apart from bidding to defend the Betway Premiership title in the new season, Pirates also return to the more demanding CAF Champions League after failing to reach the group phase last term.
So far in Marbella, where they are camped, they have played two friendly matches, first drawing 1-1 with Spanish Segunda Division side Cordoba CF, before edging Cadiz CF 2-1 on Saturday. Players who have been handed playing opportunities in those games include defender Mpho Chabatsane, goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, Boitumelo Radiopane, who scored against Cordoba CF and winger Daniel Msendami, who was on target against Cadiz.
Also afforded a run by Ouaddou are new signings Matome Mmolai, Neo Rapoo, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Bohlale Ngwato, Sbangani Zulu and Gamphani Lungu. Players who were promoted from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side, like Christian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela and Mpho Padime, have also tasted action.
WHAT OUADDOU THINKS OF PIRATES SO FAR THIS PRE-SEASON
Having assessed his men so far, Ouaddou is a satisfied man, noting that the players are gelling into the cohesive unit he desires and that they “are cruising nicely.”
“I think the players gave me really good answers [against Cadiz]. We can see that step by step, we are increasing the intensity. We are close to the intensity of the league, and we are starting in two weeks,” Ouaddou said on SuperSportBET.
“So, I have seen a lot of interesting things, firstly, defensively and team spirit. The aim is to have this compactness, to be aggressive to the opponent on one side, and to recover the ball in terms of defensive animation.
“We have seen some good transitions as well. We have scored in transition. The fact that we have played many players because in the previous game [against Cordoba], we played one team, and again we gave chances to some players, now with one hour.
“Step by step, the objective is to come close to 90 minutes, and in the next games, we are starting to give more game time to [more] players. Overall, I’m very happy with what I have seen, very good team spirit,” the ex-Fulham defender continued.
“When we came here to Spain, we knew that we were not going to face easy games. All the Spanish teams are able to play. They have a very strong physical side, and I think my team gave me very good answers. It’s what we are going to face in the PSL. So I think we are cruising nicely, and we are just going to give some rest to the players, and I’m very happy.”
THE PIRATES NEGATIVES NOTED BY ABDESLAM OUADDOU
After picking what he sees as having improved in his team, the former Morocco international has also spotted areas where he thinks they still have to put in more work.
“Maybe if I’m to be a bit disappointed, it’s how we started the game [against Cádiz CF], the first 10 minutes, and I said to the guys, we are close to starting the league, and we need to concentrate since the beginning of games,” added Ouaddou.
“We have to start with high intensity and be focused. Unfortunately, we were not focused in the first 10 minutes. We conceded a goal. For me, as an ex-defender, when I conceded a goal, I’m not happy at all. But let’s keep going with our preparations.”
Pirates still have three friendly games to play before they conclude their tour of Spain. They come up against Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad on Tuesday, Segunda Division outfit UD Las Palmas a day after, before wrapping up business against another Saudi side, Neom SC, on Friday.
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