Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed his disappointment after Orlando Pirates failed to secure the Betway Premiership title, following a goalless draw with Durban City.
The Buccaneers needed all three points from their penultimate league clash of the season to move above current league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock at the Amstel Orlando Arena, meaning that Ouaddou’s charges now need a win against Orbit College in their final Premiership encounter.
Anything less than a win would see the Brazilians claim a ninth successive top-flight title.
Speaking after the draw, a downbeat Ouaddou admitted they let themselves down by failing to claim the title in front of their own fans.
Read: Betway Premiership title race permutations
“We wanted to collect maximum points, and I want to be clear that we were not thinking about the title because a lot of people were celebrating before the game even started. They got out the champagne before the end,” Ouaddou said on IOL.
“We are clear: the target was three points in front of our fans. It didn’t happen.
“But if you remember what I said before the start of the season, the title would probably be decided in the last game. And we are still in that conversation.”
While Pirates are on the verge of a first league title in 14 years, Orbit College are fighting for their top-flight title, in 15th place with 24 points, level with Marumo Gallants, and one point adrift of Chippa United in 13th spot.