Orlando Pirates Five-Game Winning Streak Puts Ouaddou Ahead of Predecessor

Orlando Pirates have found momentum in the Betway Premiership under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, picking up their fifth consecutive league win after a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday. The result lifted the Soweto giants to third in the standings and marked a strong start for Ouaddou compared to his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, at the same stage in each of the last three seasons.

Pirates have collected 15 points from a possible 21 in Ouaddou’s first seven league games. The team has also kept clean sheets in each match, registering wins over Stellenbosch FC, Orbit College FC, Chippa United, Siwelele, and The Rockets. By contrast, Riveiro’s debut season in 2022/23 yielded just 11 points after seven games, without consecutive wins, while the following season saw the team collect only nine points at the same stage.

Despite the positive start, Ouaddou faces high expectations. Last season, Pirates won their first seven league matches, setting a club record before falling to Stellenbosch FC in the eighth fixture. That campaign, however, ended with Pirates finishing second behind a record-breaking Mamelodi Sundowns side, who amassed 73 points, equalling the all-time PSL record.

The current form gives Pirates confidence, but the standard remains high as they look to challenge for the title. After the international break, Ouaddou’s side will face Polokwane City before testing themselves against reigning champions Sundowns on 1 November. Maintaining consistency and building on this winning run will be crucial if Pirates are to convert a strong start into a serious title challenge.