Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has lifted the lid on the defensive blueprint that has turned the Buccaneers into a near-impenetrable force in the Betway Premiership.
Orlando Pirates: Seven Clean Sheets and Counting
The Soweto giants extended their remarkable run of seven consecutive clean sheets with a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. Once again, the Buccaneers denied their opponents any route to goal, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most difficult sides to score against this season.
Ouaddou, who enjoyed a 17-year playing career as a central defender in Europe and for the Moroccan national team, pointed to his own footballing background as a crucial factor in shaping Pirates’ defensive identity.
“Of course, I was a defender, but one who loved the game, who enjoyed fast football and quick passing. I’m not only focused on defending,” the French-Moroccan coach said after the match.
Efficiency in Both Boxes
The coach stressed that success in modern football comes down to being clinical at both ends of the pitch.
“You must be efficient in the two boxes. Even if we score three or four goals, I’m very careful about how we defend. I played at a high level for many years, always facing the game, so I had expectations of my strikers when I was captain. Now, as a coach, I use that experience and apply it here,” Ouaddou explained.
A Balanced Formula for Success
Pirates’ defensive strength has been built on a mix of tactical discipline and consistent performances from individual players across the backline. This balance has given the Buccaneers a stability that few opponents have managed to disrupt, making them one of the toughest teams to break down in the league.
With Ouaddou’s philosophy firmly taking root, the Buccaneers look set to continue their defensive dominance as they push for greater success this season.
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