Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged calm within the Buccaneers camp following a high-pressure week that saw their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership table reduced.
Speaking ahead of a crucial round of fixtures, the Moroccan tactician emphasized that the championship race is far from over, reminding critics that a significant portion of the season remains.
“Nothing is lost at the moment,” Ouaddou insisted, dismissing suggestions that the title momentum has shifted permanently to chasing side Mamelodi Sundowns.
The State of Play
Following a recent defeat to Sundowns, Pirates’ lead was cut to just three points. However, with the league having expanded its fixture list to accommodate more competitive matches, Ouaddou believes there is ample time to rectify recent errors.
“It’s not like the situation where only five games are left,” he added, highlighting the difference between a season-ending crunch and a marathon fight.
Turning Pressure into Motivation
Ouaddou is now looking to channel that belief into performances on the pitch, particularly with the Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs looming.
“We still have a lot of games to play, so in football anything can happen. We focus on our next opponent, not the scoreboard.”
