Abdeslam Ouaddou calls for experience and hunger as Orlando Pirates chase long-awaited title

Orlando Pirates need a blend of experience and desire if they are to succeed in their title pursuit this season, which is why coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is thrilled to have some of his players returning to the squad.

Pirates are challenging for the Betway Premiership title for the first time in 14 seasons. They have performed well so far and currently sit top of the standings with 47 points, level with second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who trail only on goal difference.

Both teams have played the same number of matches (20), leaving Pirates’ fate in their own hands. However, based on current and past form, Sundowns remain the favourites.

The Brazilians have been in superb form, winning their last seven games convincingly. They are also accustomed to rising to the occasion in decisive moments, having won the last eight league titles in a row – and 15 overall.

Pirates, meanwhile, have grinded out results in their last two matches, beating Polokwane City FC 2-1 and Richards Bay FC 2-0, away and at home respectively, even as the quality of their performances dipped with each game.

Ouaddou was unhappy with his side’s wastefulness in front of goal and their lack of fluidity in midfield, which he believes shows they are still far from being a well-oiled machine.

“When you are a coach, you want to improve and get the best out of your players every week,” Ouaddou said. “Of course, there are areas we still need to work on – I won’t lie to you – particularly in the final third. That’s not new to us. We need to show resilience and support our boys.

“In general, I am happy with the character of our team. Even when it’s tough and we have days like today, you can see that the team still wins. So imagine how we’ll play when we are at our best.”

With pressure mounting on the team to maintain balance and withstand the strain of leading the pack until the end of the season, Ouaddou identified the qualities they need to emerge victorious.

“When you are playing that role, you need both character and personality. You need hunger; without it, you won’t succeed,” he said. “Every day in training you have to show that you want to be champions.

“It starts with how you train, how you take care of your lifestyle and your body. To be ambitious, you need experience – mixing that hunger with players who have lived through this context.”

That is easier said than done. Pirates currently boast a dynamic and exciting squad that thrives on desire, flair and hunger, rather than the experience of winning a title race. Only Sipho Mbule and Abdoulaye Mariko are notable title winners from their previous clubs.

However, the duo’s impact has been limited so far, as both have been sidelined from the match-day squad, with Mbule reportedly struggling with injuries since the start of the year.

After the former Sundowns midfielder returned to training this week – although he was left out of the match-day squad against Richards Bay – Ouaddou believes his experience could prove valuable.

“They know how to sometimes slow down the game and how to bring calm on the field. They can communicate those experiences, so I will definitely need that experience. I’m happy that they are coming back.

“When I talk about experience, I mean players like Thabiso Lebitso and Mbule. Maybe I’m forgetting some others, but they will all be very important.”

Pirates will look to create breathing space between themselves and Sundowns by beating Siwelele at home on Saturday as the Brazilians are occupied with continental commitments.

The Ghost, however, will be hoping for not only another victory, but also a more convincing performance.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch