Three points in the bag, but Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is far from satisfied!
The defending Betway Premiership champions kicked off their 2026/27 campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium, courtesy of strikes from wide men Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. However, Ouaddou candidly admitted after the final whistle that several key Buccaneers are still feeling the physical toll of their international commitments at the June FIFA World Cup.
In His Own Words: Tactical Adjustments & Post-World Cup Burnout
Speaking to SuperSport after the match, Ouaddou offered an honest assessment of his side’s performance and lack of midfield dominance:
“Look, it was not an easy game for the opening game of the PSL. I expected a little bit more in terms of being dominant on the ball, more control on the ball. I think in the first half we managed to create some chances to kill the game.”
- Tactical Changes: In response to a flat first-half display, Ouaddou adjusted player positioning into half-spaces during the second half to encourage second-line runs and improve patience in build-up play.
- World Cup Strain: Key Bafana Bafana internationals including Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Thalente Mbatha were highlighted as still shaking off physical fatigue from June’s World Cup campaign.
- Bottom Line: “We can see that some of the players are still a little bit tired from the World Cup, but good three points to take, and we move on,” Ouaddou noted.
What’s Next: Title & Cup Defense
With the league campaign officially underway, Orlando Pirates turn their focus back to knockout football in the MTN8 quarterfinals, where Ouaddou will aim to defend the trophy he claimed during his debut season.
