Pirates seek to keep pressure on Sundowns with crucial Arrows clash

Orlando Pirates have mounted a strong challenge to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance, but as history has shown, beating the country’s top side over the course of a season requires consistent excellence.

So far, things have gone relatively smoothly for the Buccaneers, capped by a 1-1 draw away against Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Saturday. However, their upcoming clash with an in-form Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm) on Wednesday will be just as crucial in maintaining pressure on the league leaders.

Much of the praise for Pirates this season has focused on how quickly the team has integrated its new signings. Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took over from Jose Riveiro, the squad has developed solid partnerships in a short period of time, earning admiration for their cohesion on the field.

Ouaddou and Co are clear runners for the title, but in a race where margins are fine, missed chances have historically proven costly. Pirates had a genuine opportunity to beat Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday but could not get over the line. 

With another tough fixture looming against Golden Arrows on Wednesday, the Buccaneers must refocus quickly to extend their unbeaten run, facing a team that has already proven it can challenge the league’s best under the guidance of Sundowns’ former mentor, Manqoba Mngqithi.

While not as individually gifted as Sundowns, Arrows have shown they can be a well-organised and clinical side. Their recent performances make them a formidable test, and the Buccaneers will need to be at their best to maintain their unbeaten run on a ground where Arrows have proved difficult to overcome.

Speaking about the 1-1 draw on Saturday, Ouaddou expressed satisfaction with the result but remained cautious about claiming any psychological advantage over the defending champions. Pirates have avoided defeat in their last three meetings with the Chloorkop outfit across all competitions, but the coach insists every game presents a unique challenge.

“We still have another game, and we will prepare for it well,” Ouaddou said.

“To be honest, every game is different, and I cannot say that we have taken a psychological edge over Sundowns. They are a fantastic team, and so are we. Saturday’s game showed that.”

One of Ouaddou’s strengths this season has been his unpredictability in team selection, along with his trust in younger players. By fostering healthy competition within the squad, the former Fulham defender has struck a balance across his team so far.

“I have faith in all my players,” Ouaddou said.

“The idea is to always bring some freshness because we are playing every three days in very high-intensity and important games. At the same time, as an educator and not just a coach, I need to protect the physicality of my players because I need them for the whole season.

“I have to trust them, show them that I trust them, and give them a chance. You can win a game with eleven players, but if you want to win titles, you need to trust your entire squad.”