sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expresses hope that his team can secure the Betway Premiership title in the final match of the season, despite dropping crucial points against Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers entered the match knowing that a victory over the Nedbank Cup champions would have guaranteed them the league title ahead of the final games.
Nevertheless, the disappointing draw has significantly impacted their title ambitions, leaving the race open until the last match of the season.
Despite this setback, Pirates remain in second place with 66 points from 29 matches, while league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have concluded their season with 68 points.
The Soweto giants have one final opportunity to overtake Sundowns, facing Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium next weekend.
If the Pirates succeed in capturing the league title, it would represent a historic treble after already winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies this season.
This accomplishment would also make them the first club in Premier Soccer League history to achieve this milestone three times, having done so in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.
After the match, Ouaddou stated that he remains calm, as he always expected the title race to go down to the wire.
“We anticipated this game because we knew Durban City would come here motivated, as they aimed for a top-eight finish,” Ouaddou mentioned in an interview on SuperSport TV.
“I commend my boys; they gave their all, and we had chances to score in both halves. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert, which is part of football. We will persist until the end.
“I previously noted and reiterated during the season that the title would be decided on the final day. So, let’s see how it plays out in the last match. I believe it’s within our grasp. There’s a strong camaraderie among us, and I value that.
“This team spirit adds to the excitement of South African football and benefits the PSL. Honestly, I’m unfazed, though I am disappointed because we wished to secure this victory for our fans. It didn’t materialize, but we will regroup for next week.”
The Moroccan coach also recognized that the weight of ending the club’s lengthy title drought affected his young squad, especially towards the end of the match.
Ouaddou expressed that the pressures were evident among his players.
“We have a very young team, the youngest in the PSL, and they understand that Pirates haven’t claimed the league title in 14 years,” he remarked.
“Hence, it’s natural for them to experience stress, which became noticeable in the second half when they weren’t performing at their best.
“That said, I believe we still saw a commendable Pirates side in the second half, demonstrating high technical ability and attacking potential in the final third. While we didn’t achieve a victory, I have no criticisms of my players. I can only motivate them to go out and win this title in the final match, and I’m confident we will.”
Pirates will now fully concentrate on next weekend’s pivotal encounter against Orbit College, who are also fighting against relegation.
The Mswenko Boys currently sit in 15th place on the table and are striving to evade relegation.
