Ouaddou: “The Story Is Not Over” as Pirates Keep Title Pressure On

JOHANNESBURG – Orlando Pirates delivered a statement performance on Sunday, thrashing TS Galaxy 6–0 in a Betway Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium to keep the title race alive.

The emphatic win keeps the Buccaneers firmly in pursuit of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisting the league fight is far from settled.

“The story is not over,” Ouaddou said after the match. “I told the players the job is not finished. We are going to fight until the end of the season, and then we will see what happens.”

The Moroccan coach praised his side’s mentality and cohesion, pointing to the result as evidence of a growing belief within the squad.

“What I saw today was bravery, strong character, and fantastic team spirit,” he said. “We played very good football for our supporters, and I want to thank them. Wherever we go in South Africa, they are there for us. That support means a lot to the players.”

Pirates were clinical from the outset, pressing high and taking control early in the match. Ouaddou noted that efficiency in front of goal, often a concern this season, made the difference.

“The players started exactly how we planned, with high intensity and pressure,” he said. “We wanted to score early and create space, and they executed that perfectly.”

He added, “It’s probably the first time we converted around 80 per cent of our chances. In many games this season, we have created opportunities but not taken them. Today, everything came together. It was a fantastic day for us.”

The result lifts Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 51 points from 22 matches, edging ahead of Sundowns, who sit on 50 points with a game in hand heading into the FIFA international break.

With momentum building and confidence high, Ouaddou’s message is clear: the title race is still wide open.