Pirates run riot in Mbombela to go top of the table

Ouaddou was reacting after the Buccaneers delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in their Betway Premiership clash on Sunday.

Relebohile Mofokeng stole the spotlight with a superb hat-trick, while Tshepang Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele also found the net, alongside an own goal by Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana, as Pirates moved to the top of the standings, although Mamelodi Sundowns still have a game in hand.

Ouaddou says his side executed their tactical approach perfectly and showed the cutting edge that had been missing in recent matches.

"The boys started the game like we wanted. We wanted to apply very high pressure since the beginning to find the night quickly. 

"I think it's the first time we converted 80% of our chances, so today was a fantastic day for us."

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Ouaddou revealed that in the build-up to the match in Mbombela, following a frustrating result against Siwelele the previous weekend, he stressed the importance of maintaining focus in a tightly contested title race.

He reminded his players that consistency will be key in the final stretch of the season, with little room for slip-ups as they compete with defending champions Sundowns.

"I said to the boys that the story is not over. We are going to fight until the end of the season and after that we will see what will happen. Today they showed a fantastic team spirit and played very good football in front of our fans today."

A crowd of 23,990 spectators turned out at Mbombela Stadium, with a strong presence of Pirates supporters creating a lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon.

The former Moroccan international also addressed recent reactions from sections of the fanbase, who have voiced frustration when chances go begging, urging them to continue backing the team.

Ouaddou believes the players respond positively to encouragement and that strong support plays a crucial role in boosting performance on the pitch.

At just 21 years old, Relebohile Mofokeng marked a major milestone by registering his first top-flight hat-trick, underlining his growing influence in the Pirates attack.

With the title race expected to be decided by fine margins between Pirates and Sundowns, Ouaddou says contributions like Mofokeng’s will be vital in building momentum and belief within the squad.

"I think it's important for him, but it's important for the team and the club as well. This will give him confidence to see that he can perform at the highest level. These three goals has to show him that it's not the end, he has to keep on working and maybe score some more hat tricks in the future as well."