Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reflected on his side’s performance after they secured a 1-0 victory over Las Palmas.
The Buccaneers claimed the win thanks to a lategoal from substitute Boitumelo Radiopane, who made the difference after coming off the bench.
The result marked Pirates’ fourth match of their pre-season campaign, with the team recording two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Ouaddou expressed his satisfaction with his players’ display, highlighting the team’s improved defensive discipline. He said one of their main objectives was to keep a clean sheet after conceding goals in each of their previous threematches.
“The players have been over 60 minutes, we pushed them for 90 minutes and I’m very happy about the performance,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport.
“The objective today was, of course, to create chances, and not to concede a goal, because we’ve been conceding goals since the beginning.
“And what I said to the boys, we need to find back our strength because it’s what makes the strength of Orlando Pirates.
“So yesterday, again, yesterday, I think I was very happy about the performance against Al Ittihad. Indeed, it was a 3-3 because we have scored one goal that the referee refused.
“It was not a handball, it was a chest from Tito. So, yeah, overall, I’m very happy about the preparation of the boys and today was a top performance. We gave the opportunity for some young as well today, I’m very happy. It was the most important.
“This team is the most youngest team that I could have put during this camp. And they really responded very well in terms of aggressiveness, in terms of organisation, tactically. Tactically, they were very clever.
“So I think Orlando Pirates have a bright future with these young players. We still have one game, a tough one again. And I think it will be a revenge for us because, to be honest, my team didn’t deserve to lose yesterday.
“And the next game against Neom will be a revenge for us. And I will be happy if we can finish this camp with a victory.”
They conclude their stay on the coast with one final fixture, taking place on Friday against Saudi outfit NEOM.