Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has refused to sound the alarm over the possibility of the Betway Premiership title slipping away from the Buccaneers following their frustrating goalless draw against Durban City FC. Pirates missed a major opportunity to win the championship after failing to break down a disciplined Durban City side at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The result means the title race will now be decided on the final day of the season with Pirates still chasing down Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates are now two points behind the Brazilians and nothing short of a victory against the Mswenko Boys will break their 14 year wait for a league title. According to the Premier Soccer League rules, the team with the most points at the end of the season will be crowned the champion.
Pirates’ Title Hopes Still Alive
Despite the disappointment surrounding the result, Ouaddou remained remarkably calm after the match and instead shifted focus toward ensuring his players respond strongly in their final fixture against Orbit College FC next weekend. “I just want to say to my players, ‘go and take this title in the last game’, and we will do it’,” said Ouaddou. “I don’t have much else to say to my boys, they gave their best. We could have converted some opportunities in both the first and second half, but today the ball just didn’t want to go into the net.”
Key Statistics
- Pirates dominated possession for large periods against Durban City but struggled to create the ruthless cutting edge that has blown away opponents at various stages of the campaign.
- The Buccaneers had 15 shots on goal, but only 3 of them were on target.
- Durban City, on the other hand, had 8 shots on goal, with 2 of them being on target.
The former Moroccan international also praised Durban City for refusing to arrive in Soweto simply looking to survive. “You can see that the sporting spirit is there. Durban City came here, and they played,” he explained. “I like it because it keeps the suspense alive for the football lovers in South Africa.” For more information on the Premier Soccer League, visit the official PSL website.
Pirates now head into the final week of the season under enormous pressure knowing only victory may realistically keep their title hopes alive. However, Ouaddou appears determined to ensure panic does not creep into his dressing room during the decisive final stretch. “I’m not worried, to be honest,” he added. “I can be disappointed because we didn’t win — we wanted to dedicate a victory to our fans, but it didn’t happen. Let’s go and take it next weekend.”
