Mushin Ertugral warns of title fight despite Orlando Pirates’ dominance

Orlando Pirates’ rapid rise under Abdeslam Ouaddou has not gone unnoticed, with veteran coach Muhsin Ertugral praising the French-Moroccan tactician’s influence and backing him to develop even further with the team.

Ouaddou was appointed in June 2025 and has overseen a dramatic transformation at the Buccaneers, restoring belief, structure and consistency to a side that had promised much but often fallen short in previous seasons.

The results have been emphatic.

Since taking charge, Ouaddou has guided Pirates to MTN8 and Carling Knockout success, while building an imposing league campaign that has produced 20 wins and just three defeats in 24 matches across all competitions.

Defensively, Pirates have been exceptional. Ouaddou, a former Fulham and Morocco international defender, has instilled discipline and organisation, with the team registering a record eight consecutive victories without conceding a goal.

That defensive solidity has been matched by attacking efficiency, with Pirates scoring 48 goals and conceding only 17 so far this season.

Ertugral, who has coached both Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, believes those numbers reflect more than form — they reflect elite coaching.

“Pirates have a great, truly great coach this season, without a doubt,” Ertugral said.

“He brings a strong pedigree and vast experience, in addition to being a unique expert in mentally motivating players. I hope he can continue his work with focus.”

Beyond the trophies and statistics, Ertugral highlighted Ouaddou’s ability to manage players psychologically, an often overlooked element in high-pressure title races.

Pirates’ performances have shown a clear identity: compact without the ball, ruthless in transition and composed when protecting leads — hallmarks of a coach with a strong defensive background.

However, Ertugral cautioned that dominance in the first half of the season rarely guarantees smooth sailing.

“It’s natural for teams to face fluctuations,” he said.

“Mamelodi Sundowns will undoubtedly push hard, making the title race a two-horse battle this season.”

That warning carries weight, especially in a Betway Premiership where momentum can swing rapidly and pressure intensifies during the business end of the campaign.

Ouaddou’s tactical philosophy has been central to Pirates’ consistency. His side emphasises control in both penalty areas, rapid transitions from defence to attack, and intelligent game management through calculated substitutions.

Those in-game adjustments have often proved decisive, allowing Pirates to dictate tempo rather than react to opponents.

For Ertugral, the key now is sustainability.

Ouaddou has laid strong foundations, but the true test will come as rivals adapt, fatigue sets in and expectations rise.

If Pirates can maintain their balance between defensive discipline and attacking sharpness, they will remain firmly in the title conversation.

And if Ouaddou continues on his current trajectory, as Ertugral suggests, the Buccaneers may be witnessing not just a resurgence — but the beginning of a long-term era built on clarity, confidence and control.