Abdeslam Ouaddou slams Old Peter Mokaba Stadium pitch

Orlando Pirates may have secured the result they came for in Limpopo, but head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has raised serious concerns regarding the standard of facilities in the Betway Premiership.

Despite a resilient 2-1 victory over Polokwane City on Wednesday night, the Moroccan tactician left the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium feeling that the league’s “Best in Africa” brand was compromised by the choice of venue.

The victory keeps the Buccaneers at the summit of the log, but the post-match discourse was dominated by the decision to host a fixture of this magnitude at the 15,000-capacity Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, rather than the adjacent 45,500-seater 2010 World Cup venue.

The Risk Factor Highlighted By Ouaddou: ‘We Could Have Had Injuries’

While the three points were a boost to Pirates’ title ambitions, Ouaddou was quick to point out that the surface at the older facility posed a genuine threat to player welfare. For a coach who demands high-tempo, technical football, the uneven pitch was a major point of contention.

“I think when we play such a professional game, we need to put the players in the right condition because the pitch didn’t allow us to play properly,” Ouaddou told the media. “We could have had injuries as well, and I don’t think that’s good for football. It’s not good for fans as well because fans want to see nice football.”

Ouaddou’s disappointment stemmed from the missed opportunity to showcase the league’s quality on a superior stage. “It’s a bit disappointing not to play in a fantastic stadium [New Peter Mokaba] next to this one because the PSL is the best league in Africa,” he added.

Mission Accomplished Amidst the Grit

Despite the logistical frustrations, Ouaddou was full of praise for his squad’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of “Rise and Shine.” Polokwane City is notoriously difficult to break down at home, often utilizing a compact, direct style of play that tests the mental fortitude of visiting teams.

“Look, we came here to take three points; it was the target if we want to keep this ambition,” Ouaddou noted, reflecting on the 2-1 result. “It was not an easy game, especially when we know that every time you come to Polokwane, there is a strong side. In terms of physicality, they are a very strong team. They play direct football and are very compact.”

The win ensures that the Sea Robbers return to Johannesburg with their championship momentum intact, even if the coach believes the “spectacle” of the game deserved a better canvas.