Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged his team to stay sharp and hungry, even after a dominant 3-0 win over Lioli FC.
The Buccaneers launched their continental campaign in Bloemfontein on Saturday, where they initially struggled to break down Lioli’s disciplined backline. But the tide turned after halftime.
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Tshegofatso Mabasa netted twice in quick succession, before Oswin Appollis sealed the victory with a late strike, giving Pirates a commanding lead heading into the second leg at Orlando Stadium next weekend.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Ouaddou warned against complacency, explaining that the match had two distinct phases.
“I don’t think like that. As long as we haven’t finished the second leg, I don’t think we are through,” he told SABC Sport.
“We knew the opposition would play a low block and put in a lot of energy. In the first half, we struggled to find space, especially in the central corridor, and we were too slow.”
With their CAF campaign off to a strong start, Pirates now turn their attention back to domestic football. They face a struggling Siwelele FC in a Betway Premiership clash at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday.
Pirates have been in fine form across all competitions, recording six wins and a draw in their last seven matches. Their last defeat came against Marumo Gallants in August, a 2-1 loss. Currently, they sit eighth in the league standings with nine points from five matches.
Siwelele, meanwhile, have struggled this season, collecting just four points from their last seven fixtures, leaving them 14th on the table. Ouaddou and his squad will be aiming to maintain momentum and build confidence ahead of the CAF return leg.