Orlando Pirates' Abdeslam Ouaddou insists title race not done despite Mamelodi Sundowns defeat

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists that the Betway Premiership title race is far from over after losing to champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Pirates suffered a 2-1 defeat to Sundowns, resulting in their lead at the top of the log being cut to three points. Second-placed Sundowns can now close in on them if they capitalise on their games in hand.

The Sea Robbers did their best to claw their way back into the game in Soweto, equalising through Patrick Maswanganyi early in the second half after Brayan Leon’s quick-fire brace in the first half had handed Sundowns the lead and eventually the three points.

The result shouldn't have been the case, as Pirates failed to capitalise on their dominant start and early chances in the first half. But that wasn’t to be, with Ouaddou insisting that they will take the title race to the last games of the season in a bid to knock Sundowns off their perch.

“If you asked me that question with five games to go, I would agree, but anything can still happen,” replied Ouaddou after he was asked whether missing out on an opportunity to beat the title holders had weakened their title challenge.

“We have 13 more games to play, and anything can still happen in the league, including surprises.

“We wanted to avoid the scenario that happened now. But the PSL is one of the toughest and most exciting leagues. So, we need to continue working hard and doing our best in all the upcoming games.”

Pirates can’t afford to drop their heads now. They have two blockbuster matches to prepare for. They will face TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Amstel Arena on Saturday before facing arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the league here at the Calabash next Saturday.

Granted, the Soweto derby is the sought-after match, given its magnitude and Wednesday’s defeat, but Ouaddou has asked for total focus, which includes preparing well for Galaxy, as that match will set a tone for their season aspirations.

“Of course, it’s football. We are disappointed, but we are not going to drop our heads. We need to be proud of what we’ve achieved in the past,” Ouaddou added.

“There’s still the Nedbank Cup, and one of the most important games coming up in the next few days. So, we need to thoroughly prepare for those games.”