Coach Ouaddou on Pirates' dynamic attack: Our scoring weapons come from everywhere

Orlando Pirates’ remarkable journey in this year’s Carling Knockout continued with a narrow 1-0 victory over Siwelele, thanks to a stunning late strike from captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

The young defender’s wonder goal, fired from 30 to 40 yards, not only secured Pirates a place in the quarter-finals but also marked their eighth consecutive win — a testament to the team’s strength and determination under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The 20-year-old’s strike three minutes from time showcased the team’s unwavering character and commitment.

Ouaddou praised his squad, emphasising their hard work and mental fortitude.

“My team and I were expecting a very tough game. I had listened to Siwelele coach (Lehlohonolo Seema) in the pre-match press conference, and he said that he would come for results,” Ouaddou said.

He anticipated Siwelele’s tactical approach, predicting a medium- to low-block defence. Although challenging, the match demonstrated how small details can lead to significant triumphs.

It was Mbokazi’s extraordinary shot — a central defender known for his powerful strikes — that turned the tide.

“It’s not only luck, but also daily work, belief, quality, trust between them, trust with the technical staff,” Ouaddou said, praising the players’ performance.

The goal reflected Mbokazi’s confidence and belief in his own ability.

“He has a very, very strong shot. He’s shown it many times in training. He decided to shoot from 30 to 40 yards. You cannot shoot from 40 yards when you don’t trust yourself,” the coach added.

Ouaddou also highlighted the growing depth of the Pirates squad, noting that threats could come from anywhere on the pitch.

“You can see that the danger can come now from everywhere in our team. It’s not only the strikers; the midfielders, the weapons can come from everywhere,” he said, signalling a more versatile and unpredictable line-up.

Last season, Orlando Pirates made an early exit from the Carling Knockout, being ousted in the first round by eventual champions Magesi. The current campaign reflects a revitalised squad, steadfast in their quest for glory and determined to learn from past mistakes.

As the Buccaneers progress, they continue to embody resilience and teamwork, setting an exciting tone for the rest of the tournament.