Pirates’ Ouaddou sees positives in loss to Sekhukhune

Following Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 home defeat to Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered a defiant message to fans and critics.

Despite the Buccaneers being stunned by a second-half goal from Siphesihle Mkhize, Ouaddou insisted he was satisfied with his team’s performance even though his troops dropped three points at home in their opening game of the new 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

Speaking on SuperSport TV after the game, Ouaddou highlighted the positive aspects of the match.

“A lot of interesting things, we have to keep believing. It’s the beginning,” he stated. “The team played well. We were very well-organised, we created many chances, and we played some very good football.”

The coach attributed the loss not to a lack of effort but to the final touches. “We had the last pass… maybe a lack of finishing,” he explained, praising his players’ intensity and behaviour during the game.

Ouaddou concluded with a forward-looking message: “Let’s focus on the next game. I think it’s the beginning. Nothing is lost, I think we have to believe.”

The Buccaneers will look to secure their first points of the season in the league on Tuesday against Ouaddou’s former club, Marumo Gallants, away from home.