A RESULT contrary to what was expected of Orlando Pirates, who gave up the chance to win the Betway Premiership title with a points tie with Durban City, is a chilling proof of how much weight is on the shoulders of the players, the responsibility of ending the 14-year famine of this Soweto team, without knowing the league title.
These are the words of the Pirates coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, following the 0-0 draw with Durban City on Saturday, at Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto.
Bucs came to this penultimate game of the season needing three points to go top of the log since they are favored by the number of goals compared to Mamelodi Sundowns who are on top but they played all their own.
This result forces the Pirates not to return and other than the win in their season-ending match against Orbit College FC on Saturday at 3 pm, at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit.
Another result apart from a win in Orbit, could mean the continuation of Pirates’ 14-year league title hunger, Sundowns won the league title for the ninth time in a row.
While speaking to the media he had a press conference with after the game, Ouaddou reassured the Pirates fans that their dream is not dead but has gone backwards.
“It was planned to finish the job in front of our fans but it happened which we have to accept,” said Ouaddou.
“I would be wrong if I hide my disappointment, but it also reassures me that we have a chance to finish the job on the go.
“What happened to us is like a setback. It’s not an easy game to be a part of even if you are a coach, that’s why I can’t criticize my players.
“14 years without a league title is heavy on the shoulders.
“Everything we asked the players to do in the right way, so the message I can send to the fans is that the dream is not dead and we will definitely do the right thing in the last game.”
This coach, who has the opportunity to win three titles in his first season at Pirates, closed the forum by highlighting the importance of understanding the growth of the Mzansi league as it will become clear on the last day where it is going.
“It is good because I have said many times before that the season may be clear on the last day which is proof of the rapid growth of the South African league.
“In previous seasons, it was clear that there are still a lot of games to go to where the title is going, so what happened (this season), should be applauded because it shows the growth of the teams in the big division of South African football,” said Ouaddou.