Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates challenged by Lundi Mahala of Richards Bay during the Betway Premiership that saw the Buccaneers fall further behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in Richards Bay.
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou reiterated the team will not give up on the title race following their recent slip, insisting they will fight until the end and build a strong finish on the solid foundation laid this season.
Pirates squandered a chance of topping the standings on Friday night after drawing 2-2 with Richards Bay at uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay. That draw ensured they remained second on the log with 55 points, one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who now have the slight advantage of a game in hand.
Given that Sundowns are used to crunch time – currently on a 10-game winning streak and chasing a record-extending ninth title in a row – some Bucs supporters, known as the Ghost, have thrown in the towel, conceding the title is gone.
Ouaddou has chosen to look at the positives, maintaining that anything is still possible for the team in the remaining six games, which is why they cannot afford to despair now.
“The fans can analyse the points how they want, but the reality is that there are still games to be played,” Ouaddou said. “Like I said, our boys and the technical staff will fight until the end. We will then sit around the table and count the points at the end.”
Pirates’ title challenge has not been easy due to the fact that they have had to rely on the same regulars and backup players. As such, Ouaddou did not change the team that thrashed Golden Arrows 5-0 three days earlier against the Natal Rich Boyz.
Amid the fatigue that comes with this stage of the season, the Moroccan conceded that his team’s performance is set to fluctuate, which is why they will use the next few days to rest before preparing for another must-win clash against AmaZulu on April 18.
“When you have many games in a short period, you cannot give up,” Ouaddou said. “We are going to give some rest to our boys because we played two games in a short space of time. After that, we will come back and fight.
“We have an important game soon. It’s not easy to challenge, but I think that the boys have done a fantastic job since the beginning of the season. We cannot throw away what they did from the start of the season.”
Ouaddou knows that they will not have it easy in the last seven matches, and he took time to praise Richards Bay for their performance at uMhlathuze Sports Complex. Given the fact that the Natal Rich Boyz also beat Chiefs at the same venue this season, he hopes that they can also do Pirates a favour when they host Sundowns on April 26 after their clash against TS Galaxy.
“I hope so,” Ouaddou said. “It’s a team that has great character and good organisation. What is important is the fighting spirit and fitness level that they have. I think it’s one of the best teams in the PSL.
"They are also professional and winners at heart. Of course, we are going to watch those games closely. But for us, it is to just keep fighting until the last second. We do not have the chance to be pessimistic. If I had to find positivity, the point can help us.”