Pirates moved to the top of the table after a confident 2-0 win over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium, finally using their games in hand to leapfrog defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

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The victory continued a rich run of form, with the Soweto giants winning nine of their last 12 league matches.

But despite the momentum, Ouaddou cautioned against premature celebrations, stressing that the path to the title will be fiercely contested.

“We are ready to fight for the league, yes — but we must understand the strength of the teams around us,” he told SABC Sport.

“This PSL is one of the highest levels in Africa. There are very good sides, very good coaches, and if you relax even for a moment, you can be punished.”

The Moroccan tactician said Pirates have earned the right to be considered contenders, but they must now prove they can match the consistency of the country’s elite through the second half of the campaign.

“It’s good to be at the top now, but staying there is the most difficult part,” he continued.

“To stay in that position, you must keep working, keep focusing, keep respecting every opponent. No one gives you anything in this league.”

Ouaddou also reflected on the early challenges his squad faced, noting that the team has grown stronger as players adapted to his ideas and the club’s new structures.

“When you start a new project, it takes time. Now the players understand the game model, and that gives us confidence. But the season is long — we still have five months of hard work ahead.”