Pirates coach tells strikers to ‘wake up’

Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt

• Abdeslam Ouaddou says Pirates’ strikers must improve as the club targets a much stronger CAF Champions League campaign.

• Pirates have won their first two matches but needed extra time to beat Durban City 2-1 in the MTN8.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has told his strikers to “wake up” as the Buccaneers chase success in Africa.

Pirates have started the season with two wins, beating Milford FC in the Premiership and Durban City in the MTN8.

They needed extra time to beat Durban City 2-1, with Thapelo Mokobodi scoring a late penalty.

Ouaddou said the club must improve after falling short in the CAF Champions League last season.

“We must confirm what we did last season,” he said, the Citizen reported.

“But there is another competition that we failed in last season and, for me, it’s a really big target. So I need my strikers to wake up quickly to help the team.”

Pirates were knocked out by FC St Eloi Lupopo in the final qualifying round before the Champions League group stages.

Their next league match is away to AmaZulu.

Norwegian striker Sebastian Petersen could give Pirates another option in attack, although it is not yet clear whether he will be available to make his debut.

Evidence Makgopa also looks set to be out injured for some time.

AmaZulu will also be looking for a response after losing 4-3 to Sekhukhune United in the MTN8.

Coach Arthur Zwane said his players must recover quickly before facing Pirates.

“Now we have Pirates, we’ve got to redeem ourselves,” Zwane told SuperSport TV. “It’s not going to be an easy one.”

Pictured above: Orlando Pirates players celebrating.

Image source: @orlandopirates