Orlando Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates’ title destiny remains in their own hands
Abdeslam Ouaddou, head coach of Orlando Pirates, reacts during the Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
Image: Nic Bothma/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they are not expecting any favours in the Betway Premiership title race because their destiny remains in their own hands.
Pirates continued their pursuit of the league crown on Saturday night after beating Magesi 3-0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The Buccaneers remain second on the log with 65 points, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.
Sundowns could extend that lead to six points if they win their league finale against TS Galaxy on Tuesday. However, should Pirates fully capitalise on their remaining two fixtures against Durban City and Orbit College, they will be crowned champions.
Such is the confidence within the Pirates camp that, after responding to Sundowns’ 7-4 victory over Siwelele earlier in the day with a convincing win of their own, Ouaddou admitted the title race is now theirs to lose.
“We are focused on ourselves. The destiny is between our feet,” Ouaddou said.
“We are focused on how we want to play and our organisation. You can see a strong Pirates team. We don’t concede goals; we score goals.
“I told the boys we must focus on how we want to play. We don’t expect anything from anyone. We are focused on our team. We are confident about what we want to achieve, and we feel strong about it.”
A Betway Premiership triumph for Pirates would see them emulate the famous squads of the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, which completed a domestic treble that included the league title – coincidentally the last time the Buccaneers were crowned champions.