Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Questions Pitch Conditions After Hard-Fought Win Over Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed frustration with the state of the playing surface at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium following his side’s 2 to 1 victory against Polokwane City on Wednesday night. The Buccaneers secured an important win after a demanding contest that required patience and determination. The result came just days after their dominant Soweto derby triumph over Kaizer Chiefs. Expectations were high after that strong performance, yet Pirates faced a very different challenge in Polokwane. The wet surface slowed the tempo of the match and made it difficult for both teams to play their natural game.

The conditions at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium became a major talking point after the final whistle. The pitch remained extremely wet throughout the match, which made ball control and passing far more difficult than usual. Players from both sides struggled to move the ball quickly and had to adjust their approach to avoid mistakes. Ouaddou raised questions about why the nearby Peter Mokaba Stadium was not used for the fixture. He noted that the venue offers a modern playing environment that would allow teams to showcase better football. In his view, the league should ensure that clubs compete in conditions that reflect the high standard of the competition.

Despite the difficult playing surface, Orlando Pirates remained determined to secure the victory. Polokwane City, often referred to as Rise and Shine, proved to be a disciplined opponent that defended well and stayed compact throughout the match. Pirates created several clear scoring opportunities but struggled to convert them into goals. Their persistence eventually paid off when substitute Patrick Maswanganyi delivered the decisive moment that secured the win. The late contribution helped the Buccaneers claim all three points away from home. Ouaddou praised his players for their bravery and commitment in a match that required strong mental focus.

The Pirates coach acknowledged that winning in Polokwane is rarely simple because the home side plays with courage and strong defensive organization. He explained that his players attempted to start the match with intensity and hoped to score early to control the game. Unfortunately for Pirates, their finishing let them down during several promising attacks. Even so, the team continued to press forward and create chances throughout the match. Ouaddou considered that effort an important positive sign. He congratulated the players for maintaining their fighting spirit despite the challenging circumstances.

One issue that continues to concern the Pirates mentor is the team’s inability to convert a high number of chances into goals. Throughout the season, the Buccaneers have shown creativity and attacking intent but have often failed to finish matches comfortably. Ouaddou once again spoke about the need for greater ruthlessness in front of goal. He believes the team must develop a stronger killer instinct if they want to dominate matches and compete for major honours. The coach stressed that creating opportunities is already a strong point for the squad. The next step is improving the final touch that turns chances into goals.

Ouaddou also highlighted the positive mentality within the team and praised the unity displayed by the players. According to the coach, character and determination often make the difference in tight matches. The Pirates squad continued to push forward even when the wet pitch made passing and movement difficult. Their persistence ultimately produced the winning goal that secured the result. Maintaining that spirit remains one of the coach’s main priorities as the season continues. He believes the team is moving in the right direction in terms of both performance and confidence.

The victory ensured that Orlando Pirates maintained strong momentum following their impressive derby success against Kaizer Chiefs. While the result provided satisfaction, the match also raised questions about the playing conditions that teams face in certain fixtures. Ouaddou’s comments reflected both pride in his players and concern about maintaining high standards in the league. He believes the quality of facilities plays an important role in promoting attractive football for supporters. As Pirates continue their campaign, the team will focus on sharpening their finishing while building on the resilience they displayed in Polokwane.