Orlando Pirates coach Abdesalam Ouaddou has challenged his players to raise their performance levels despite securing qualification for the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup, insisting that the club’s ambitions demand far more than simply getting the job done.

The Buccaneers scored three goals to secure their passage into the next round, but their coach was far from satisfied with the overall performance, particularly their inability to convert more of their scoring opportunities.

Pirates created 24 chances during the match, a statistic that left Ouaddou questioning his side’s efficiency in front of goal despite the comfortable victory.

“I’m happy with the qualification, but about the content, about the performance, I think for a big club like Pirates, we should do better,” he said.

“For a big club that is looking to win the Champions League, the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Cup, it’s not enough.”

While acknowledging the importance of progressing in the competition without conceding, Ouaddou insisted that Pirates must show greater ruthlessness if they are serious about competing for silverware on multiple fronts.

“We had 24 chances with the amount of three goals. Can I be satisfied? No. I think we have to wake up and know that we are playing for a big club. We are playing for a big institution. We are not here to nurse people. We are very ambitious.”

The Pirates coach compared the Buccaneers to some of Europe’s leading clubs, arguing that their stature as one of Africa’s football giants must be reflected in their performances.

“I compare Pirates to Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. These are big clubs, and when you are playing for such a big club, you need to have this culture of winning every three days,” he said.

“You are not tired. I’m coming onto the pitch to win. If I have to kill the opponent with eight, I kill him with eight. I cannot be satisfied to go home with three when I have 24 chances.”

Ouaddou also emphasised the need for greater selflessness among his players, warning against individualism when teammates are better positioned to score.

“We cannot be selfish. When my teammate is in a better position, I give him the ball because if he scores, it’s like I score. This is the mentality that I want.”

SQUAD ROTATION AND THE DEMANDS OF PLAYING FOR PIRATES

With another important fixture looming at the weekend, Ouaddou was asked about balancing the demands of the upcoming match with the need to give other players opportunities, including those who have not featured as regularly.

He defended his approach to squad rotation, insisting that every player brought into the team must take responsibility and make the most of the opportunity.

“I have starters and impact players. For me, I don’t have any substitutions. The guy that I bring on, I give him a chance, and he needs to apply himself because maybe he will not have a second or third chance,” he said.

The coach acknowledged that the demands of top-level football could be difficult, but maintained that representing a club of Pirates’ stature required players to deliver whenever called upon.

“I know you can feel that it’s hard, but I’m sorry, this is the high level. When duty calls, you have to deliver because we have millions of fans and lovers of Pirates everywhere we go in South Africa.”

He added that the responsibility extended beyond the club’s South African fanbase, with supporters across the continent expecting performances that matched the Buccaneers’ reputation.

“We cannot disappoint all these people, not only in South Africa. We cannot disappoint people who love Pirates across Africa. This is the mentality that we need to have.”

PIRATES MUST DO MORE THAN RELY ON THEIR REPUTATION

Ouaddou was particularly frustrated that Pirates had not been more dominant against Milford, believing his team should have capitalised on its chances and made a stronger statement in the competition.

“If we have to put eight goals against Milford, we have to show Milford that we are not playing at the same level,” he said.

Despite his criticism, he was quick to acknowledge Milford’s contribution, praising their coach and recognising that the opposition had quality within their ranks.

“I respect them because I have already said they are well coached. I like the coach; he is very humble, and they have some good players.”

However, he was disappointed that Pirates had allowed Milford to leave the match, believing they could have achieved more.

“But now you give them hope. People leave the arena saying, ‘We could have done better.’”

Ouaddou insisted that Pirates could not afford to rely solely on their name and history, calling on his players to understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the black-and-white jersey.

“I don’t want people to think that Pirates is only a name. We cannot let people say that. When we wear this shirt with the Pirates badge, you need to transform yourself in every game. I’m not here to nurse anybody. I don’t have time.”

‘I CANNOT GO HOME AND SLEEP HAPPY’

The coach also sent a clear message to players who have struggled for regular game time, warning that opportunities may not come around twice.

“When I give them a chance, they have to take it, because sometimes the train stops once at the station, but it doesn’t stop twice,” he warned.

Despite celebrating qualification for the quarterfinals, Ouaddou admitted that the performance had left him with plenty to review before Pirates’ next assignment.

“I cannot go home now and sleep happy. I have a lot of work. I have to watch the game to analyse what we can do better.”

For Pirates, progression in the Carling Knockout Cup is an important step, but Ouaddou’s message was unmistakable: qualification alone is not enough.

If the Buccaneers are to challenge for domestic and continental honours, they must become more clinical, more selfless and consistently deliver performances worthy of their ambitions.

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