Abdeslam Ouaddou demands consistency after unbeaten Orlando Pirates start

Abdeslam Ouaddou has challenged Orlando Pirates to carry their consistency into the next phase of the season after successfully navigating their opening cycle of the Betway Premiership.

Pirates head into the first Fifa international break of the new season unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions, but for Ouaddou, the focus is already on what comes next.

The Buccaneers closed the opening cycle with maximum points after beating Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, but the Moroccan coach believes maintaining that level will be the real test.

Said Ouaddou: "It's the end of the first cycle as we head into the first international break, and we wanted maximum points in this cycle and to not concede a lot of goals as well.

"We did our best to achieve that. This game showed what Pirates are about and I hope we can keep the consistency when we come back."

Pirates have also established themselves near the top of the league standings, sitting within a point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand. For Ouaddou, however, the unbeaten run is less important than the standards his team are setting and whether they can sustain them when the schedule resumes.

The coach admitted Sunday’s victory was not straightforward, despite the final scoreline.

"To be honest, we won 2-0 but this game was very difficult. This team has energy and they are very powerful so it was a tough game," he told SuperSport TV.

The first cycle has also given Ouaddou the opportunity to assess players who are becoming increasingly important to his plans.

Thapelo Mokobodi was central to the victory over Gallants, providing both assists before being named Player of the Match. Having previously worked with the midfielder at Gallants, Ouaddou has seen his development up close and believes he can contribute in several ways.

"Since this boy came, he’s been fantastic for us," he said.

"I’ve known him since Marumo days, but he is very good for us now. He can make his teammates play, he can score and create goals as well, and I hope he can keep this going for the rest of the season."

Pirates will now have three weeks to reset before returning to action, with a major MTN8 final against Sundowns awaiting them on 10 October.

For Ouaddou, that fixture will provide the first opportunity to see whether his side can carry the standards established during the opening cycle into the next one.