Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his team’s spirit and values will be the driving force behind their pursuit of success this season.
Goals from Evidence Makgopa and substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa sealed the win, lifting the Buccaneers to third place in the Betway Premiership with 15 points from seven matches. The result also stretched their solid defensive record to five clean sheets across competitions.
Speaking after the match, Ouaddou stressed that values and unity, rather than tactics alone, form the backbone of any successful campaign.
“You can win a match with eleven players, but if you want to win the league and competitions, you need the group,” he said. “My priority when I arrive at a club is always about values, because without them, a project can collapse in the middle of the season.”
The Moroccan coach praised his players for sticking to the plan in what he described as a tough game.
“I’m happy with the team spirit, the unity, and the solidarity. We knew Galaxy would come with ambition to trouble us at home, but the players respected our plans and earned the victory. This win keeps us close to the top, which is exactly what we wanted.”
While Pirates’ defensive record has been impressive, Ouaddou insists his philosophy is about efficiency in both attack and defence.
“Football is about the two boxes. Even if we score three or four goals, we must defend properly. Having played 17 years at the highest level, I’m trying to bring that experience here.”
Ouaddou hopes the Buccaneers’ momentum and spirit will last until the end of the season.