Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou remains optimistic about his team’s chances of clinching the Betway Premiership title on the final day of the season. Following a goalless draw against Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Ouaddou expressed confidence that the Pirates can secure victory in their upcoming match against Orbit College next Saturday.
Despite the disappointing outcome against Durban City, where Pirates played to a sold-out crowd in Soweto, Ouaddou emphasized the importance of the upcoming game. He stated, “I said at the middle of the season that probably the title will be played until the end of the season, the last game. So, let’s go and take it to be champion in the last game, I think it’s possible.”
Ouaddou acknowledged the nerves displayed by his relatively young squad, noting, “We have the third-youngest team in the PSL. To play this event, they know in 14 years Pirates didn’t win the title, it’s normal that it creates some stress in the head.” He encouraged his players to remain focused, adding, “I just want to say to my boys, ‘go take this title in the last game, and we will do it.’”
The match against Durban City highlighted the competitive nature of the PSL, with Ouaddou praising his opponents for their spirited performance. He suggested that the suspense surrounding the title race adds to the excitement for football fans in South Africa, describing it as “the magic of the PSL.”