Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Orlando Pirates to carry their consistency into the next phase of the season after the defending champions completed an unbeaten opening cycle.
Pirates head into the international break without defeat in 11 matches across all competitions, having ended the first phase with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.
Ouaddou was pleased with the maximum points but believes the greater challenge will be maintaining the standards his side have established when domestic football resumes.
“It’s the end of the first cycle and we wanted maximum points in this cycle and not to concede a lot of goals as well,” the Moroccan said. “We did our best to achieve that. This game showed what Pirates are about and I hope we can keep the consistency when we come back.”
The Buccaneers are also within a point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with a game in hand. But Ouaddou insists the unbeaten record is less important than the team’s continued development.
READ: PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE: Orlando Pirates move within one point of Sundowns after Gallants win
Sunday’s victory was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggested, with Gallants providing a stern test.
“To be honest, we won 2-0 but this game was very difficult,” Ouaddou said. “This team has energy and they are very powerful so it was a tough game.”
One of the biggest positives has been the emergence of Thapelo Mokobodi, who supplied both assists against Gallants before being named Player of the Match.
Ouaddou previously worked with the midfielder at Gallants and believes he has the qualities to make a significant contribution.
“He can make his teammates play, he can score and create goals as well and I hope he can keep this going for the rest of the season,” he said.
Pirates now have three weeks to prepare for their return, with an MTN8 final against Sundowns on 10 October providing an immediate test of whether they can maintain their momentum.