Orlando Pirates’ coach Ouaddou not quite in seventh heaven after CAF win

ORLANDO Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has downplayed his team’s dominant performance in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round, which concluded with a masterclass 7-0 aggregate triumph over Lesotho’s Lioli FC on Saturday.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Following their 4-0 win in the second leg at Orlando Stadium, Ouaddou reminded fans and players that such victories should be expected rather than celebrated as extraordinary achievements. He noted that a victory like this was anticipated from a team of the Pirates’ calibre. Impressive braces from forwards Tshepang Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma bolstered Pirates. While the scoreline reflected a dominant performance, Ouaddou emphasised the necessity of treating every opponent with respect, regardless of their stature in African football.

“To be honest, we were never worried about that game,” Ouaddou reflected in his post-match press conference. “I think my players just respected the opponent. If we need five goals, we must score them. If we had scored only one goal, I would not be happy with my players. I would say we didn't respect the opponent.”