Abdeslam Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates Head Coach Talks Tough, Takes Subtle Dig at Doubters

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has taken a sly dig at those who doubted Orlando Pirates since taking over the coaching role at the beginning of the season
• The former Moroccan international is set to guide the Soweto-based club to their first Betway Premiership title since the 2010-11 season
• The former Marumo Gallants head coach also sent a message to Orlando Pirates players as the title race enters its final phase

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has taken a subtle dig at the Sea Robbers doubters as the Soweto giants close in on winning the Betway Premiership ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns this season.

The French-Moroccan tactician was appointed by the Buccaneers at the beginning of the season, and won two titles, which is the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup. He started the league campaign on the wrong foot, which led to calls for his removal from the post.

They are still three points behind the defending champions on the log, but they have a game in hand with a better goal difference.

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The Sea Robbers are on course to end the Brazilians' dominance in the league, as they've won the last eight Betway Premiership titles.

Ouaddou hits back at doubters

Ouaddou believes too many people were quick to rule Orlando Pirates out of the title race, with many convinced the Mamelodi Sundowns were certain to lift the trophy.

The Betway Premiership crown is now within the Buccaneers’ grasp, as victories in their final two matches would secure the championship.

Ouaddou maintained that he never doubted his side’s chances, pointing to the experience he gained playing in highly competitive leagues where championships were often settled at the very end of the campaign.

“Many people were already talking as if the title race was over for us. But as long as there is still a mathematical chance, you have to keep fighting. That’s the message I’ve continued to give to both the supporters and the players, and the players understood it clearly," the Pirates manager saId

“Since the start of the season, whenever people doubted us, we stayed silent and focused on our work.

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“We kept our heads down and continued working hard. There are still two matches left, and in football, anything can happen.”

Ouaddou confirmed the job is not done

Despite hitting back at doubters, Ouaddou stressed that the job is far from complete. He urged his players to stay grounded and concentrated, warning that football can still produce unexpected twists with two fixtures remaining.

“I’m humble enough to say I’ve spent some time in football and played in some very competitive leagues,” Ouaddou added.

“From my experience, I know you cannot celebrate too early. In France, we say you must not sell the bear’s skin before catching the bear."

Ouaddou calls out Pirates 'boo boys'

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed Orlando Pirates fans who were booing the team against TS Galaxy in the league.

The former Marumo Gallants manager stressed that his players are fully committed every time they step onto the pitch.

Source: Briefly News