Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Orlando Pirates’ strikers to raise their level quickly, warning that the club’s ambitions extend far beyond a promising start to the new domestic season.
Pirates have opened the campaign with victories over Milford FC in the Premiership and Durban City in the MTN8, although the cup win required extra time and exposed a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
The Buccaneers completed a domestic treble last season by winning the Premiership, but their Champions League campaign ended in disappointment when they were eliminated by FC St Eloi Lupopo in the final qualifying round before the group stage.
“We must confirm what we did last season,” Ouaddou said after Thapelo Mokobodi’s late extra-time penalty secured the 2-1 win over Durban City. “But more than that, there is another competition that we failed in last season and for me it is a really big target. I need my strikers to wake up quickly to help the team.”
Pirates travel to AmaZulu on Wednesday seeking a third consecutive win, and there is growing anticipation that Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen could make his debut after being pictured training with the squad.
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The 27-year-old forward may become increasingly important with Evidence Makgopa expected to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
AmaZulu, meanwhile, began their league season with an encouraging away victory over Stellenbosch before suffering a chaotic 4-3 defeat to Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
Coach Arthur Zwane admitted the defensive display was well below the standards he expects.
“We conceded four goals and that is unlike us,” Zwane said. “Hopefully we learn from this one and correct those mistakes.”
Zwane has called for a strong response against the champions and emphasised the importance of recovery after a demanding start to the season.
“It is not going to be easy against a Pirates team that won at the weekend,” he said. “We have to make sure the players recover properly and are ready for the challenge.”