Ouaddou challenges Pirates strikers to step up amid avalanche of chances created

There’s no doubt that Pirates is leading when it comes to chances created, in the first two matches of the season, they have created 53 chances and scored just four goals from those. But the former Moroccan international captain wants to see a much-improved conversion rate from his players, as they look to defend their league title as well.

"You can work for many hours, but after that, the killer instinct to feel the goals and where it's going to land is essential. These are things you don't buy at the supermarket; you either have it or you don't. We are not giving up; we are going to keep working, and I hope that the strikers we have will continue to work, believe, and help us reach the standard because we must not forget that this season is very important," said Ouaddou 

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"We must confirm what we did last season. But more than that, there is another competition that we failed in last season, and for me, it's a really big target. I need my strikers to wake up quickly to help the team."

Ouaddou has also reminded of how Pirates were leading last season in terms of chances created on the African continent as a whole. During this past weekend’s 2-1 win over Durban City in the MTN8, they had a total of 41 shots at goal, and 11 of those were on target.

Ouaddou is also encouraged by the mentality shown by his players and how they are responding to his training methods. He says the cup matches are also more demanding as the opposition gives more than they do in league games. Ouaddou has more on why he’s emphasising on the mentality of the players as well.

What is clear is that Ouaddou has also learned a serious lesson from how his team started in the new season, losing the first two league games. He says he will not give any free appearance to the players, something that will risk his job.