Even though the Orlando Pirates defeated Milford FC 3-0 on Tuesday nite in the Carling Knockout Round of 16, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has voiced his displeasure with his team's performance.

Ouaddou was not totally happy with how his players dominated the game, even though the Buccaneers easily won and advanced to the quarterfinals. The coach acknowledged that his team's performance fell short of his expectations, implying that he was not satisfied with the outcome on its own.

Ouaddou expressed his displeasure with the Orlando Pirates' attitude to the game in a post-match speech, saying, "I was not happy about how we played, we didn't have the control."

His remarks imply that the team's performance needed to be improved in certain areas, even if they won by three goals. Controlling possession, setting the pace, and overseeing the various stages of a game are crucial components that go beyond just winning for a coach who is committed to upholding high standards.

The Orlando Pirates' goal going into the knockout match was to advance to the next round, and the 3-0 outcome ultimately accomplished that. Ouaddou's response, however, suggests that he has higher standards for his players, especially when it comes to managing games against rival teams.

For the Soweto giants, the victory was nevertheless a significant outcome as they pursued silverware in the Carling Knockout competition. Making it to the quarterfinals provides Pirates another chance to fight for a significant domestic title, as cup football frequently leaves little space for error.

Ouaddou's comments, however, emphasise the distinction between winning a game and giving his squad the kind of performance a coach desires. It's not always the case that a strong score indicates that every part of the game has gone as planned.

The three goals and advancement to the quarterfinals will be heartening for Pirates fans. Nonetheless, it is evident from the coach's evaluation that the team's performance will continue to be a priority throughout the campaign.

Ouaddou will now want his team to improve on the favourable outcome while fixing the issues he found during the match. As the Orlando Pirates encounter more difficult opponents in the later stages of the competition, it may be crucial to maintain consistency, enhance control, and demonstrate more authority on the pitch.

The 3-0 triumph indicates that the Buccaneers have made it through the Round of 16 and are still in the running for the Carling Knockout title, despite his displeasure.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115173234450514239