Ouaddou Lauds Team Spirit After Orlando Pirates Defeat Golden Arrows 3-1
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his squad after a confident 3-1 win over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night. The victory helped the Buccaneers reclaim second spot on the table after a competitive run of fixtures. Goals from Nkosikhona Ndaba and a late brace from substitute Yanela Mbuthuma sealed the result. Pirates looked sharp and composed throughout, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. The match reflected a well-executed tactical plan and a collective effort from the entire team.
Ouaddou said he was pleased with how his players started the game and followed instructions from the first whistle. “I have to really congratulate the boys. They started exactly the way we wanted, playing with high intensity and trying to beat their back four while creating numerical advantages in the central corridor,” he told SuperSport TV. The team’s fast start forced Arrows to defend deeper than usual, limiting their attacking transitions. Pirates’ coordination between the midfield and the forward line created constant pressure on the Arrows defense. This intensity set the tone for the rest of the match and gave the Buccaneers early control.
The Moroccan-born coach emphasized that the key focus was to stop Arrows from playing their usual fluid game. He acknowledged the quality of the opposition, saying they are a side that can be dangerous if given space. “It was very important not to let them play because they have a fantastic coach and a good team. If you let them play, they can cause trouble,” Ouaddou said. He explained that keeping the game compact and controlling the central areas was part of their plan. The approach worked, as Pirates limited Arrows’ chances while maintaining their own attacking rhythm.
Substitutions proved decisive, with Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Patrick Maswanganyi all making notable contributions after coming on. Mbuthuma’s impact was immediate as he used his pace and movement to stretch the defense. His two late goals confirmed Pirates’ dominance and displayed the squad’s attacking depth. Mofokeng added creativity in midfield while Maswanganyi kept the tempo high. The substitutes’ performances highlighted Ouaddou’s successful rotation and the depth of quality within the squad.
Ouaddou credited the win to the collective mindset within the team rather than individual brilliance. He said every player has a role to play regardless of whether they start or come off the bench. “It’s the team spirit we want in Orlando Pirates. Everybody is important. I always say there’s no substitute, only impact players,” he stated. This approach, he explained, keeps all players motivated and ready to contribute when called upon. The unity within the team continues to strengthen with each match.
Looking ahead, Ouaddou believes that maintaining this level of focus and intensity will be crucial for the rest of the season. “If we keep this team spirit and continue to push forward to score goals and improve, I think we can have strong ambitions this season,” he said. Pirates are still in contention for major honors and their form suggests they can challenge for the league title. The coach’s balanced approach between discipline and creativity has improved the team’s consistency. With this momentum, Pirates are well-positioned to finish the campaign strongly and remain serious contenders.
