Orlando Pirates coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has reminded his players of the importance of not giving up as they look to Maliyethe, who are in the race for the Betway Premiership title that is hot against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Blacks beat TS Galaxy 6-0 in the Premiership on Sunday, at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit.
Pirates’ victory returned them to the top of the Premiership log with 51 points, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns with 50. The Blacks are leading the way in terms of goals as they have scored 40 in 22 games. Sundowns scored 37 times in 21 games. This makes this team from Soweto the one that is currently leading with the most goals in the Premiership this season.
Sundowns are behind in the match they will play against Durban City on April 7, in Durban.
“I told the boys that it is not over (for the league title). We will fight until the end of the season, after that we will see what happens,” said Ouaddou.
Pirates’ scoring many goals in their game against Galaxy is what made Ouaddou saddened by the defeat of his players’ chances in previous games.
“I think it was the first time we finished in the way we created the most chances so today (Sunday) was a good day for us. It’s important to score goals because in the end they can be useful at the end of the season in terms of goal difference,” he said.
Although Ouaddou was happy with the dedication of his players, he highly praised Relebohile Mofokeng who scored three goals in this game. This was the first time since he was promoted to the senior scheme for the 2022/2023 season. Last season he won the Betway Premiership Young Player of The Season award.
“It is important for him but also important for the team. This will increase his confidence, he will see that he can still play at a high level. The three goals he scored should show him that it is not over yet, he will have to continue working and maybe score three more in the future,” said Ouaddou.
Zimnyama will return to the field after the Fifa and Nedbank Cup break with a home game against Lamontville Golden Arrows on April 7 at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto.