Abdeslam Ouaddou transforms Orlando Pirates into defensive giants and clinical title contenders

Orlando Pirates are gradually reflecting the qualities and philosophy of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as they have become rock solid in defence and ruthless up front – traits that could prove crucial in the title run-in.

A solid defender in his heyday, having turned out for clubs in Europe, Ouaddou vowed to reorganise Pirates’ defensive unit and make therm a formidable force, after they leaked goals willy-nilly last season.

He’s done exactly that.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is enjoying his best season in Pirates colours, as he is just three clean sheets away from the record of 19 in a top-flight campaign. While Chaine might get most of the praise, the defence in front of him has also delivered.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema have kept things tidy in the centre at the back. Pirates’ defensive solidity could be key in their title pursuit, as they have conceded the fewest goals (nine) in the league after 23 matches. They sit second on the log with 54 points, two behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

“We had defensive discipline – again we didn’t concede. I think from (Chaine), the strikers, through the midfielders, they did a fantastic job,” Ouaddou said, after another clean sheet in the 5-0 thrashing of Golden Arrows at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.

Pirates’ win over Arrows also extended their scoring spree to 11 goals in two league matches, following a 6-0 thrashing of TS Galaxy away from home before the Fifa window.

Although a defender at heart, Ouaddou wants his team to be ruthless in the final third – something that has pleased him in recent matches.

“We are keeping the dynamic. A lot of people thought it was a little bit of luck against TS Galaxy, but everyone can now see that when our boys start to find the net, they are efficient in the final third,” Ouaddou explained.

“It’s not only in that game – we’ve been seeing our team create a lot of chances since the start of the season. Now, when they arrive in the final third, they are scoring more often.”

With the league set to go down to the wire – and Sundowns winning their last 10 matches – Ouaddou knows goal difference could be decisive. That’s why the recent scoring form of Relebohile Mofokeng, who has netted five of the 11 goals, including a hat-trick against Galaxy and a brace against Arrows, has been vital.

However, Ouaddou emphasised that goals must serve the team effort.

“It’s important for teams who are ambitious and want to be in first position (to score a lot of goals),” Ouaddou said.

“It gives trust and confidence, and goal difference will be very important at the end of the season. I told my boys that we have to play with a very strong fighting spirit until the last second. We don’t want to have any regrets.”

With the season nearing its end, fatigue could become a factor. Nonetheless, Ouaddou praised his team’s intensity and mindset.

“Sometimes we work on training and on the pitch, but something that's very important in football is the mindset and mentality – how you come every morning at training and give effort because we ask a lot from them,” he said.

“We train under intense conditions to replicate match situations so that we are not surprised on match day. Players have to apply themselves from start to finish so that the body can adjust easily.”