Ouaddou demands ruthlessness as Pirates chase massive CAF comeback

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is banking on his team’s ability to score goals in bunches as they prepare for a monumental challenge against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.

The Buccaneers need a near-miraculous performance in the second preliminary round return leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3 PM) after suffering a chastening 3-0 defeat in the first leg in Lubumbashi.

To advance, Pirates must win 4-0, or secure a 3-0 victory to force a penalty shootout.

The Finishing Fiasco

Ouaddou’s confidence in a comeback is tempered by his team’s recent struggles in front of goal, a problem that was evident even in their narrow 1-0 Betway Premiership win over Polokwane City FC midweek. Pirates squandered numerous opportunities against Rise and Shine, a fact not lost on the head coach.

“We didn’t have the efficiency in the box,” Ouaddou admitted after the Polokwane match. “I hope they [the players] kept the five goals they didn’t score for this Saturday.”

The coach was happy with the overall character, noting that the team “tried to score more goals” and showed “a great character from my players going forward.”

Pirates coach Ouaddou Banking on the “Group” and Past Glories

While Tshepang Moremi secured the win against Polokwane, Ouaddou shrewdly rotated several key players—including Thalente Mbatha, Deon Hotto, Sipho Mbule, and Tshegofatso Mabasa—who are all expected to return to the starting XI to provide the necessary firepower for the CAF encounter.

Ouaddou is drawing parallels between the current situation and the team’s past ability to stage swift attacks, specifically recalling their MTN8 final triumph.

“I just remember that in 15 minutes of the MTN8, we were able to score three goals. So, 90 minutes is a lot of time to come back,” he asserted.

The coach added that the immediate task is both psychological and tactical.

“The challenge is to be ambitious in that game. At the same time, we have to keep the right balance, not to concede,” Ouaddou stated, emphasising the importance of a clean sheet while chasing the four-goal target. He believes the “support of our fans will be crucial” as they attempt to overturn the deficit and reach the Champions League group phase.