Ouaddou calls for quick recovery after defeat

ORLANDO Pirates' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stressed that it will be crucial for the team to bounce back from their defeat in the first game of the Betway Premiership season.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Sekhukhune United handed Pirates a sour start to the league, beating them 1-0 away at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Siphesihle Mkhize scored Sekhukhune's solitary goal early in the second half, burying home a rebound following a scramble inside Pirates' box.

That win ensured that Babina Noko showed early signs of living up to their “dark horses” tag this season, while the loss put Pirates’ plans into jeopardy from the outset. Pirates are expected to challenge for — and win — the Premiership this season, as the club have invested heavily in preparations and squad strengthening.

Ouaddou conceded that they had a poor day at the office, although he insisted not all is lost, as the league is not won overnight.

“The chance that we have in football is to play again quickly and aim for victory in the next game,” Ouaddou stated during his post-match press conference in Orlando. “The league is a marathon; many games remain to be played. We started badly, but we'll get some rest and quickly get back to business.”