Pirates eye statement win against Sundowns

WHEN Orlando Pirates visit Betway Premiership log leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, there'll be nothing that the Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants to see from his team more than goals and a clean sheet.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Pirates progressed to the Carling Knockout semifinals on Tuesday after eliminating defending champions Magesi from the competition at a buzzing Orlando Stadium.

However, Ouaddou wasn't entirely happy with his troops, as they took their foot off the pedal by “showboating” in the last quarter of the match, and conceded a late consolation goal to Lehlogonolo Mokone, after leading through goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa.

While Ouaddou was pleased with their progression to the last four of the Carling Knockout after two previous failed attempts, he knows they can’t afford to “showboat” in the league, where points and goal difference can prove crucial at the end of the season.

So, with Pirates’ next league fixture away to direct rivals Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (kickoff 3.30pm), there's nothing Ouaddou will want more from his team than a solid performance.

After all, a victory for the Sea Robbers would see them draw level with the Brazilians on 21 points, while still having the advantage of a game in hand.