Abdeslam Ouaddou backs Orlando Pirates to shine despite Richards Bay’s tight pitch

Abdeslam Ouaddou, head coach of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto on the 07 April 2026 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

The Buccaneers face the Natal Rich Boys on the back of an impressive run of form, scoring 11 goals in their last two Betway Premiership encounters, beating TS Galaxy 6-0 and Golden Arrows 5-0.

Ouaddou’s team hot on the heels of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in second place on the standings with 54 points from 23 games, just two points adrift.

With Sundowns not in league action again until the 22nd of April, Pirates will have the chance to pull four points clear at the top of the table with maximum points against Richards Bay on Friday and AmaZulu next weekend.

Speaking ahead of their upcoming clash, Ouaddou expressed his confidence in another high-scoring result.

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“Our players are professional, we will have to adapt in any environment. I understand that playing on a compact pitch sometimes is not easy for us, based on our style of play, but now we are on a mission,” Ouaddou told the Sowetan.

“A soldier has to adapt to all situations, so our players will be ready to fight on any pitch in the PSL. We know that Richards Bay are a difficult team, especially at their stadium, but we have enough quality to deal with them.”