Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou blamed a lack of first-half intensity and rhythm for his side’s failure to win at home over Durban City on Saturday, leaving the race for the Betway Premiership to go down to the wire.
The goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium means Pirates sit two points adrift of champions Mamelodi Sundowns and must win their final game of the season against Orbit College at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Had Pirates won, they would have gone top of the standings on goal difference with one game to play and with Sundowns having completed their programme, the Buccaneers would have been all but assured of their first title since 2012.
“It was the game that we expected, we knew that Durban City would come with some ideas, of course, because they still want to finish in the top eight,” said Ouaddou after the match.
“We prepared well for the game but I think that the first half that we played was a bit far from my expectations in team of intensity, in terms of rhythm, because the plan was in the first 15-20 minutes to put really high pressure and to suffocate the team in order to score early.
“But it didn't happen, it couldn't happen. when we started so slow and maybe a lack of aggressiveness in our first half meant we didn't manage to create so many chances,” the coach added.
“But I think that in the second half, especially in the last 30 minutes, we saw the face that we usually see from Pirates; a lot of intensity, with the aim to go forward, to hurt.
“We had 30 shots, I think. 12 on the target, but it's not enough to win this kind of game. “
Abdeslam Ouaddou and the Bucs are ready to go all the way in Mbombela next week ⏩🏆#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/hvLK3OwDqx
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 16, 2026
Ouaddou cautioned those who had gone to the Orlando Stadium to party in expectation of a win over Durban City.
“I want to be clear, we wanted to win the match, not the title, because a lot of people were celebrating and they got the champagne out before the end.
“But it was clear for us. For us, the target was to take three points in front of our fans. It did not happen. But if you remember what I've been saying since the beginning of the season, that the title will be decided on the last day.
“I'm really, really confident, and my players have to be confident as well. It's the beauty of the PSL. Durban City came to play a strong game, and it shows the interest in this PSL. Nobody gives up. Of course, we can be disappointed,” he added.