Coach urges players to seize their chances as Soweto derby looms

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou did not hold back as he expressed his frustration with his players and said he feels they need to do better despite winning 3-0 against Milford in the Carling Knockout last 16 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

A brace by Tshepang Moremi and a goal by Thapelo Mokobodi in the first half ensured the Buccaneers progress to the last eight of the competition as they look to defend their title.

However, Ouaddou was far from impressed, as he feels they should have scored more than three goals from the 24 chances they created to send a strong message, especially with the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

“Yes, I’m happy about the qualification, but a big club like Pirates, I think we should do better. For a big club looking to win the CAF Champions League, to win the Betway Premiership, the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout, it is not enough,” Ouaddou told the media during the post-match press conference.

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

“Pirates are a giant in Africa, but if we want to stay small, we can continue like that. Well done for the qualification, but I can’t go home and sleep happily.”

Ouaddou also issued a warning to his fringe players to make use of the opportunities they get.

You are not tired; if I have to kill the opponent with eight, I have to do that.

—  Abdeslam Ouaddou

“And the message to the players who say they don’t play too much. When I give them a chance, they have to take it, because sometimes the train stops once in the station and not twice,” he said.

“I’m comparing Pirates to Arsenal, to Paris [Saint-Germain], Barcelona, and when you are playing for such a big club, you need to have this culture of winning every three days.

“You are not tired; if I have to kill the opponent with eight, I have to do that.

“What are we doing in the box? We are here to joke? No, we are here to score goals; we have to show everyone this is the best team and to send a big message.

“We cannot be selfish. When my teammate is in a better position, I give him the ball.”