Abdeslam Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates hunting Mamelodi Sundowns for title

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is aware of the team’s shortcomings over the past three seasons, which is why he has preached a winning mentality to his players in every game this campaign.

Pirates are tipped as Betway Premiership contenders this season, having finished the first half of the campaign top of the log. They are now second with 29 points, three behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more.

The Sea Robbers are eager to steer themselves into clear waters in the title race this season to avoid a repeat of their near-misses over the last three campaigns, in which they finished as runners-up to serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ouaddou is well aware of those shortfalls, which is why he wants to ensure they make up for lost ground this season.

“Of course, I know the history of the club, but for me, it’s a new season with a lot of changes,” Ouaddou said. “There are a lot of ambitions, so I am focused on those ambitions and how we deal with the games every week.”

Ouaddou revealed that their clear target is to lift the title at the end of the season, which is why they are not concerned with setting cyclical targets.

“There’s the idea to reduce the gap from the past three seasons, but not only that. Maybe there’s an opportunity to go even higher this season – to win the title – so we need to take it,” Ouaddou said. “We need to win every game.

“I won’t say we have targets for every month, but the mentality is that every game we play, we must win. Of course, sometimes it won’t be possible, like last week (in the 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United).

“If we look at the stats, we played that game with great effort. We gave everything, but it wasn’t to be. We just have to keep the same spirit and unity. Then I am sure we’ll surprise a lot of people.”