Orlando Pirates defeat Marumo Gallants, extending unbeaten run

Abdeslam Ouaddou has called on the Orlando Pirates team to maintain the level of stability achieved in the next stage of the season, despite the successful completion of the initial cycle.

The 'Pirates' team enters an international break undefeated in 11 matches across all tournaments. However, for Ouaddou, what happens next is the priority. The 'Bucaneers' finished the first cycle by accumulating the maximum number of points after defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the Royal Bafokeng stadium on Sunday.

The Moroccan coach believes that maintaining this level will be a real test. He stated: 'This is the end of the first cycle, and we are entering the first international break. We wanted to get the maximum number of points in this cycle and not concede many goals, and we did everything possible to achieve this. This game showed what the Pirates are, and I hope we can maintain this stability when we return.'

Orlando Pirates also hold high positions in the Betway Premiership table, trailing only one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, considering the difference in playing time. Ouaddou noted that the victory on Sunday was not easy, despite the final score. 'Honestly, we won 2-0, but this game was very difficult. This team has energy, and they are very strong, so it was a tough match,' he told SuperSport TV.

The first cycle allowed Ouaddou to assess players who are becoming increasingly important to his plans. Thapelo Mokobodi played a key role in the victory over Gallants, scoring assists before being named Man of the Match. Ouaddou, who previously worked with the midfielder at Gallants, closely observed his development and believes he can contribute in various aspects of the game.

The coach added: 'Since this guy appeared, he has been fantastic for us. I have known him since Marumo, but now he is very good for us. He can make his teammates play, he can score and create goals, and I hope he can continue in the same vein until the end of the season.'

Before returning to active play, the team will have three weeks to recover. They face a major MTN8 final against Sundowns on October 10th. For Ouaddou, this match will be the first opportunity to see if his players can carry over the standards set in the first cycle to the next.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsalam Waddu warned his players that if they are serious about competing for the CAF Champions League, there will be no room for complacency or individual boasting.

This sharp comment came despite the team confidently advancing to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League tournament, securing an aggregate 3-1 victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena stadium.

Waddu was particularly dissatisfied with what he observed after the break: 'Pirates' began to slow down even though they had control of the match. The team created chances to increase their lead, but the players were ineffective in front of goal, and some showed more interest in personal moments than in maintaining team intensity.

In Waddu's opinion, such behavior is incompatible with the demands of the Champions League campaign. He stated to the media: 'I will not tolerate boasting in my team.' He added that to win the Champions League and advance far in the tournament, the team must be serious and stop this practice, as it serves the player's ego rather than the team.

As a coach, Waddu insists that his only goal is goals. He emphasized: 'If players want to boast, let them do it, but not in front of me.'

Despite the coach's disappointment, 'Pirates' managed to give a strong response after the goalkeeper of 'Bafana Bafana', Sipho Chane, opened the scoring early in the match due to an unusual error. Instead of letting this mistake disrupt concentration, the hosts reacted almost immediately.

Before the break, the game was under the control of the 'Buccaneers' thanks to goals from Kabelo Kgosicile and Kamogelo Sebelebele, and after the break, Yanela Mbuthuma scored the third goal, definitively cementing 'Pirates'' dominance. Mbuthuma's goal was particularly pleasing to Waddu, as the forward continued his impressive scoring form after returning to the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, the performance left the coach with more questions than just the final score. Waddu has repeatedly stressed the importance of intensity and collective responsibility since taking charge of 'Pirates', and his latest remarks indicate that he will not allow the team's success to encourage individualism.

For a club aiming to go deep into the main African club tournament, this warning came at an opportune time. Now 'Pirates' will face 'African Stars' from Namibia in the second preliminary round, after the Namibian team eliminated 'AS Mangasport' from Gabon. Before that, Waddu will focus on the Betway Premiership, where 'Pirates' must close the gap with leaders 'Mamelodi Sundowns'. However, the coach's message is extremely clear: advancing to the next round is not enough; if 'Pirates' want to compete for the Champions League title, they must learn to maintain their level throughout all 90 minutes.

The Orlando Pirates team advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating La Cure Waves 3-1 in the second match of the first preliminary round, which took place at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Following a draw in the first match played in Mauritius, Orlando fans enjoyed four goals in the first half. Despite an early threat, Pirates effectively decided the outcome of the contest within the first 45 minutes.

CAF Champions League

In the next stage, Pirates will face the Namibian team African Stars. Previously, African Stars beat AS Mangasport 2-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium after the first match in Gabon ended with a 3-1 victory for the Gabonese team.

La Cure Waves gained an unexpected advantage just six minutes into the match when goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a mistake during a simple clearance, allowing Jean Ami to easily score into an empty net.

However, Pirates responded almost immediately. Thanks to a skillful play by Kabelo Kgositsile, who came onto the field alongside Neo Rapoo and Yanela Mbuthuma, he managed to score from close range.

Pirates took the lead in this confrontation in the 25th minute when Kgositsile provided an assist for Kamogelo Sebelebele, who skillfully finished the attack from a tight angle.

Throughout the rest of the first half, Pirates' attacks were continuous. Mbuthuma added the third goal from a corner eight minutes before halftime, giving the South African champions a comfortable two-goal lead by mid-half.

In the second half, Pirates missed several opportunities but were never in danger of losing control of the game.