Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou Calls for Consistency After Orbit College Win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged his players to show greater consistency throughout matches after their narrow 1-0 victory over Orbit College on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers secured their second league win of the season at Orlando Stadium, thanks to a well-taken goal from Lebone Seema in the second half.

Ouaddou expressed satisfaction with the three points but admitted he was not entirely pleased with how his side performed in the opening half. Speaking after the match, the coach praised Orbit College for their resilience, noting that newly promoted teams bring unpredictability and determination into the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“Happy with the win, yes, but it was not easy. We were a bit tired and had to make changes. I have to congratulate Orbit as well because they pushed us. In the PSL there are no small teams anymore,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.

The Buccaneers struggled to control possession in midfield during the first half, which forced the coach to make tactical adjustments at the break. Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, and Nkosikhona Ndaba were introduced in the second half to stabilize the middle of the park and improve the team’s ball retention.

“We wanted to keep the ball and move it better in the first half, but we did not achieve that. I brought in players who could control the midfield, play forward, and create the final pass. That changed the game because in the first half we were too deep and it was not the plan,” he explained.

Despite the improvement and eventual win, Ouaddou believes his side remains a work in progress. He emphasized the need for Pirates to play with the same rhythm and confidence across both halves of a game if they are to challenge for the top spots on the PSL log.

“I think we still have two phases of Orlando Pirates. We are not consistent yet. My aim is to have the kind of rhythm and comfort we saw in the second half. To move the ball, to control the tempo, and to be efficient in the final third. We created chances but we have to be more clinical if we want to compete at the top,” he said.

One positive Ouaddou highlighted was the team’s ability to keep a clean sheet, something he believes can provide a strong foundation for growth.

“The clean sheet gives confidence to the team. Now we have to build on the second-half performance and carry it into the next game,” he added.

Pirates will look to build on their momentum and find the consistency their coach is demanding as they continue their league campaign.