Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Praises Medical Staff After Lebitso’s Return

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed gratitude to the club’s medical and performance teams after midfielder Thabiso Lebitso made his long-awaited return to action. The Buccaneers capped off the weekend with a dominant 3-0 win over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, heading into the international break with confidence.

Lebitso, who had been sidelined through injury, made his first start of the season and impressed with a commanding performance in midfield. Ouaddou highlighted the behind-the-scenes work that made his comeback possible.

“First of all I have to congratulate our medical department, our performance department because they did a great job to allow him, push him to come back and of course he had a fantastic performance today likewise the boys,” Ouaddou told SuperSport.

The coach praised his team’s overall performance but admitted he was not fully satisfied with how his players managed the closing stages. He said the team should have been more ruthless in attack instead of sitting on the comfortable lead.

“I’m happy about the performance of the boys, we wanted to come here to take the three points, it was crucial for us when you look at the result yesterday it was very important. I said that before the game,” Ouaddou said.

“But we have to understand that we have to give thanks to the fans but I’m not somebody who likes to enjoy like that, I like goals. If we can put five, six goals we have to put six goals. So, congratulations to my boys but in the last 20 minutes I don’t like sterile possession, I want to go forward.”

The victory marked Pirates’ third consecutive win, strengthening their momentum before the break. With Lebitso back in action and the squad showing depth, Ouaddou’s side will be aiming to build on this form when domestic football resumes.