'We are not here to play circus' - Pirates coach Ouaddou blasts players after Gallants victory
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left frustrated despite his side’s 3–0 victory over Marumo Gallants, calling for greater ruthlessness in front of goal. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged his side to treat their league title pursuit with heightened focus, warning that there is no room for complacency at this decisive stage of the campaign.
Despite a convincing 3–0 win over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership, Ouaddou was far from satisfied with his team’s overall display. While the Buccaneers dominated for large spells, their wastefulness in front of goal left their coach frustrated.
The victory extended Pirates’ lead at the summit to six points, setting up a potentially season-defining clash against Mamelodi Sundowns next Wednesday — a fixture that could have a major bearing on the destination of the title.
Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng ensured the Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches. Yet, despite tightening their grip at the top of the table, Ouaddou made it clear that collecting three points alone is not enough if performance standards begin to slip.
“The only positive point about today is the three points,” an irritated Ouaddou said after the match.
“The positive is that we scored early. Had Marumo scored early, the game would have been different.
“When you are playing for such a big club with a lot of ambition, it becomes crucial that we finish in the last third. I have been saying that, and it is now becoming a sickness.”
The Pirates mentor stressed that sharper decision-making and clinical finishing are non-negotiable, particularly for a club of Pirates’ stature.
“If you want to convert the chances, let’s be more serious in the last third. We are not here to play circus,” Ouaddou continued.
“We are here to compete, and we have a lot of expectations from the fans and the club. We are a huge club in Africa, and I am very ambitious — I will not hide it — we want to win the title.
“If some players do not want to win the title, they must raise their hands and say so, because I do not want to lose time with people who want to joke on the pitch. I am not here for that.”