Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has struck a defiant and emotional tone after his side’s crucial 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC last night.
The Moroccan coach insists that the Buccaneers will push the Betway Premiership title race “until the last second.”
Pirates arrived at Athlone Stadium under mounting pressure after Mamelodi Sundowns had opened a five-point gap at the summit. But a composed and physically dominant display saw the Soweto giants respond in style, cutting the deficit to just two points with three matches remaining.
Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi late in the first half proved decisive in Cape Town, as the Soweto giants turned pressure into purpose in a match that could define their season.
For Ouaddou, it was less about flair and more about resilience as the league title race fast shapes up for a photo finish.
‘THE GUYS WERE BRAVE’: OUADDOU
“I think I have to really congratulate our boys for this mentality, for this fighting spirit,” he said. “Today, I cannot say we produced nice football because the pitch didn’t allow us, but in another area, the boys gave me a lot of positive answers, especially in the physicality.”
The Moroccan tactician, who has steadily reshaped Pirates into genuine title contenders, was visibly proud of his players’ response to adversity.
“It led us in the title race; the guys were very brave. I’m very proud of them. Today we saw real warriors, players who clearly gave an answer. We are still here, and we are going to fight until the last second.”
The victory not only keeps Pirates firmly in contention but also shifts the psychological pressure back onto Sundowns, who face Kaizer Chiefs in a high-stakes clash.
Ouaddou framed the title duel as a positive for South African football, drawing parallels with Europe’s elite leagues.
“In every country, you see this kind of fight. Look at England, it’s the same,” he said. “It creates interest for the fans. It’s not good when the champion is known too early. This season, we are bringing competitiveness until the end.”
With Pirates now on 62 points and momentum building, the message from their coach is that unmistakable belief remains intact.
“The dream is still here. Now we keep fighting,” said Ouaddou.