WATCH: ‘We will die on the pitch’: Ouaddou’s bold title vow

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a defiant war cry in the Betway Premiership title race, declaring that his side is prepared to “die on the pitch” to bring the trophy back to Orlando.

“𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵.”

Abdeslam Ouaddou reflects on a game of two halves at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday night.

​The Bucs boss admits they lost control after the break, leading to the decision to “close the shop” and protect the… pic.twitter.com/XEjWSd2BGh

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The Buccaneers reclaimed the summit of the log following a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Richards Bay FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday night. The result moves Pirates to 47 points, level with Mamelodi Sundowns but ahead on a superior goal difference with just 10 games remaining in the campaign.

Goals from Oswin Appollis and a late, contentious penalty from Evidence Makgopa proved decisive, ending a decade-long wait for the Sea Robbers to be in such a commanding position at this stage of the season.

Reflecting on the performance, Ouaddou admitted that breaking down a resolute Richards Bay side required patience and tactical shifting.

“It was a tough game, exactly what we expected,” Ouaddou told the media. “We played against a very strong, compact side. They were aggressive in their pressing and closed the central corridors, but we managed to find joy by attacking from the flanks.”

Despite the win, the coach was critical of his side’s dip in the closing stages. “I think we had more control in the first half than the second. In the last 20 minutes, we lost control. We weren’t efficient with the last pass in the final third and lost crucial balls in the heart of the game that could have been punished in transition.”

Abdeslam Ouaddou Promises “Fight to the Last Second” for League Glory

With the race between Pirates and Sundowns reaching a fever pitch, the margins are razor-thin. While Sundowns have been more prolific in front of goal, Pirates’ ascent has been built on a sturdier defensive record.

Ouaddou emphasised that talent alone won’t secure the title, which has eluded the club since the 2011/12 season.

“Sometimes when you have too much talent, you want to maintain control, but against a defensively disciplined team, you need discipline yourself—especially in the counter-pressing,” he explained.

“I want to keep only the positives. We are going to fight until the last second, the last minute, and we are going to die on the pitch for this title race.”

The Buccaneers now face a sprint to the finish line, with every goal and every point likely to determine whether the trophy returns to Soweto or stays in Chloorkop.