Orlando Pirates beat Stellenbosch FC 2-0 at the Athlone Stadium to close the gap on Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to two points.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has insisted the result keeps his side firmly in the title fight.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU: THIS RESULT LETS US STAY IN THE TITLE RACE
The Sea Robbers now sit just two points behind Sundowns at the top of the table, with Ouaddou’s men refusing to let the champions run away with the title.
The Buccaneers arrived at Athlone Stadium knowing anything less than victory would make the gap even harder to chase down.
Instead, Pirates delivered a disciplined performance, with first-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi proving decisive.
But for Ouaddou, the focus was less on the scoreline and more on the nature of the contest against a well-drilled Stellenbosch side.
“I think we had the game that we expected. We know it’s never easy to come and play Stellenbosch,” he said.
He stressed the intensity required to compete against organised opposition, especially in a high-pressure title run-in.
“You know when you play the teams of Gavin Hunt, Gavin Hunt is an experienced coach… We started the game like we wanted, very well organised but with the high, high intensity. We knew that here we need to answer to these physical duels,” Ouaddou added.
“I think we were efficient in the set pieces in the first half. We made some tactical adjustments to have this control in the second half… but I don’t think that we had this control. It’s normal, the opponent was pushing to come equalise.
Also read: Reports: Kaizer Chiefs to sign Orlando Pirates striker?
“It’s a fantastic result. It lets us stay in the title race. The guys were very brave, I’m so proud of them. I’m very proud to be the coach of these boys.”
“Today, we saw real warriors and players that clearly give answer to say that we are still here and we’re going to fight until the last second.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Mamelodi Sundowns currently lead the standings but face a demanding run-in, starting with a home clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, 6 May at 19:30, followed by Siwelele FC on Saturday, 9 May, and an away trip to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 12 May.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, continue their chase with three matches remaining, starting away to Magesi FC on Saturday, 9 May, before hosting Durban City FC on Saturday, 16 May, and finishing away to Orbit College on Saturday, 23 May.
