Ouaddou makes ‘honest’ title admission after Pirates stumble

Abdeslam Ouaddou of Orlando Pirates has conceded that the Buccaneers’ pursuit of the Betway Premiership title has suffered a significant setback following their frustrating 2-2 draw against Richards Bay FC on Friday night.

The stalemate at a packed uMhlathuze Sports Complex leaves the Sea Robbers on 55 points after 24 outings. The result serves as a massive boost for defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who now have the cushion to open a four-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.

Speaking after the four-goal thriller in KZN, a candid Ouaddou admitted that while the club’s ambitions were dented, he is not ready to completely “throw in the towel.”

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PIRATES BOSS OUADDOU REFUSES TO QUIT

“In terms of what we wanted to achieve, of course, I think we didn’t achieve what we came for. We came here for three points regarding the title race,” Ouaddou told the media.

“The game didn’t go like we wanted. I think, again, we created early chances where we could have scored earlier. We were caught on a set-piece; it’s been a long time since that happened. We managed to be one of the best teams in defending set-pieces, but tonight we were caught in that area.”

Richards Bay has turned their home ground into a fortress, extending their unbeaten run there to seven matches. Ouaddou acknowledged that the dimensions of the pitch and the spirit of the “Natal Rich Boyz” made for a difficult night at the office.

“It’s not easy to play here on this small pitch against a very brave, very organised team. We have played many games against Richards Bay—this was the third—and it was always difficult. We knew it, but we didn’t get the three points.”

With the margin for error now non-existent, the Moroccan tactician emphasized that the psychological battle is just as important as the tactical one heading into the final stretch of the season.

“Things will become difficult for the rest of the league, but nothing is impossible,” he insisted. “When I tell you it will be difficult, it means we still have a small chance to dream. We don’t have to gamble that small chance. We have to play every game until the end and see what happens.”

The draw moves Richards Bay to 10th on the log, while Pirates must now endure a nervous wait to see how Sundowns navigate their games in hand upon their return from CAF Champions League duty.