ALTHOUGH Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou admits that the league title is right up his nose, he preaches the gospel of not starting the celebrations until it is official that they are champions.
Pirates, who have a game against Mamelodi Sundowns (top), won 3-0 with goals from Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Oswin Appollis against Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership on Saturday night at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.
This win brought Pirates closer to Sundowns at the top of the log as there are few games left for the 2025-2026 season to end.
Pirates and Sundowns, who started the season vying for the league title, may end up tied if they win all their remaining games, but Pirates have a chance to be champions since they are favored by the number of goals.
Sundowns wraps up their season tomorrow against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, but Pirates will be left with a home game against Durban City in the next and final week against Orbit College FC on May 23.
“We pray to the Creator that we cut a pattern in our DDC (DStv Diski Challenge) team and win this title with us because 14 years is a long time for Pirates fans to watch other teams mocking them for their teams fighting,” said Ouaddou.
“It is close but the work is not finished, so it is important to stop the celebrations for now until it is official that we are champions.
“The most interesting thing about what is happening is that Pirates is managed by people who deserve to be followed by good success in all seasons like other teams that are considered as hundreds.
“The players on the books of Pirates this season are amazing because the situation they are in and the historic opportunity they are standing in front of is what they did on the field to show that they understand it.
“The title stinks in our nostrils, but we must put all the energy we have into the two remaining games.
“It is important to go to these remaining games with a sober mind since we are facing teams fighting for a place in the Top 8 and in the main stage of South African football separately,” said Ouaddou.
