Pirates now a points machine, says coach

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side have become a “points machine” as they won for a sixth time in seven games in the Betway Premiership on Sunday with a 2-0 away triumph against Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

The team advanced to 19 out of a possible 21 points from their opening seven matches of the league campaign as they defend their league title.

“We had a really good game,” the Pirates boss said after the game in which Kabelo Kgositsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi scored.

“We have finished the first cycle, since June 24, until the first FIFA break. I think my boys really did well. I have to give them credit since June 24 in terms of how we play football. We had some difficult moments since the beginning of the season, but at least we’ve scored a lot of goals.

“We didn't concede too much. I think for now, if I have to give a resume of this first cycle, it's just well done, well done. Very positive. In terms of strength, in terms of commitment, in terms of organisation, in terms of discipline, it's very difficult to play against Pirates.

“I have to stay very humble with our team, but we can say that we have become a point machine. Yeah, it used to be some other teams were points machines, but this season, I think we are playing our role of the champion, and we want to stay there.”

Ouaddou said Pirates wanted to play like champions.

“We want to be chased, and not do the chasing. It’s the mentality I want to give to the boys to become a point machine, to be efficient, to play fantastic football with speed, with intensity, with no room for improvisation, no room for funny things. It's the image that I want my teams to have.”

Ouaddou last week criticised players for showboating but got pushback from some of the club’s former legends.

This obviously angered him. “I heard some ex-coaches from Pirates, some, let's say, legends, saying that coach Ouaddou cannot come here to teach us football.

"I don't teach football to nobody. I am very humble. I respect the culture, I respect this fantastic country. I like it, I love it. I love South Africa. I love these people, but these people who were ex-coaches, they have to understand that I am here for a mandate. I am here to get the results. I am here to take the best for my team and to win games. There is a difference between skills, to play forward, to score goals, to be efficient, and entertainment.

“Entertainment, it's not for me. If some people want to see the Harlem Globetrotters, I'm not here to make entertainment. Pirates are here to win games, to shine on the continent and to win cups.”