Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has moved to clarify head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s recent criticism of the squad’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, insisting the coach’s comments have been misinterpreted.
Ouaddou has challenged his players to be more clinical and maintain their attacking intensity, even when they have already established a comfortable advantage. Sibisi, however, believes the message is about the high standards the Moroccan tactician is trying to establish at the club.
The Pirates skipper explained that Ouaddou wants his side to keep pushing for more goals rather than becoming complacent once they have taken control of a match.
“I think our coach has been misinterpreted, it’s the standard he’s set at the club, to say if we can score eight, why score three and be settled for that? We need to try and push, get as much goals as we can,” Sibisi said.
The defender also pointed out that goal difference could ultimately prove decisive in the Betway Premiership title race, making every opportunity to add to their tally potentially important.
Sibisi insists the players have taken the coach’s message positively and are responding to his demands, with the squad determined to improve their efficiency in the final third.
“At the end of the day, maybe the league might be won on goal difference, who knows? We take it in a positive way, and you know the boys are really reacting to what the coach has been saying – we will try and improve in front of goal. But I think so far so good.”
Pirates will be aiming to go to the top of the table with three points against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby that kicks off at 15h00 on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium.