‘We Are Not Here to Play Circus’: Abdeslam Ouaddou Issues Stern Warning to Orlando Pirates Despite 3-0 Win
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a blunt warning to his players following their 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.
Despite the emphatic scoreline at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, Ouaddou expressed frustration with his team’s lack of clinical finishing and perceived complacency in the final third.
The win saw the Buccaneers extend their lead at the top of the table to six points over Mamelodi Sundowns after 16 games.
“About the game, I can say the only positive point today is the three points, that’s it,” Ouaddou remarked, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Criticism Over Wastefulness
The Moroccan coach was critical of his side’s efficiency, describing the failure to convert clear chances as a “sickness” that could undermine their title ambitions.
“If Marumo had scored earlier, the game could have been different. However, when you are playing for such a big club with high ambitions, it is crucial that we finish in the final third,” he said.
Ouaddou emphasised that footballing flair or entertainment should never come at the expense of execution and results.
Commitment Above All
The coach did not shy away from challenging any player not fully committed to the team’s goals. With a crucial top-of-the-table showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns scheduled for Wednesday at FNB Stadium, Ouaddou made his expectations clear.
“We are not here to play circus. We are here to compete. There is a lot of expectation from the club and from the fans—this is a huge club in Africa. Everybody is ambitious here. I am very ambitious, and I will not hide it: we want to win the title,” he said.
Ouaddou added that players unwilling to match the team’s ambition should step aside.
“If some people don’t want to win the title, they must put their hands up and say it, because I don’t want to lose time with people who want to joke on the pitch. I’m not here for that.”
Focus Shifts to Sundowns Clash
With Orlando Pirates sitting comfortably atop the Premiership standings, the spotlight now turns to the looming clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ouaddou’s message is clear: high standards, focus, and finishing will be non-negotiable if the Buccaneers are to end their title drought.
The coach’s uncompromising approach sets the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown at FNB Stadium.
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The post ‘We Are Not Here to Play Circus’: Abdeslam Ouaddou Issues Stern Warning to Orlando Pirates Despite 3-0 Win appeared first on iHarare News.
