Relief for Abdeslam Ouaddou as Orlando Pirates finally register a league win

By Velile Mnyandu
21st August 2025

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was a relieved man last night, after watching his side register their first win of the season in the Betway Premiership, beating a stubborn Stellenbosch FC side 1-0 at Orlando Stadium.

Kamogelo Sebelebele scored a cracking strike, as early as the 15th minute, his second goal in Bucs colours, after having scored against Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend.

This eases the pressure on Ouaddou and his team, after having lost the opening two matches of the season. He also couldn’t hide his happiness.

"Very happy with the result of course we were expecting that moment since two, three weeks. About the game, I think we started exactly how we wanted to play, very high block, prevent Stellenbosch from building to push them to play long balls and to put them in high pressure,” Ouaddou said.

“We managed to create a lot of chances, it was a positive thing. We completely dominated the first half, we managed as well to manage the transitions because we know that is one of the best teams in terms of transitions.

“My only disappointment is maybe during the 25th minute and the second half, we lost the control and there are some key moments in the game that we have to learn to kill the game and to score two, three goals and not to be afraid after, it's what happened in the second half.

“But let's not be too hard, let's enjoy these first three points and I hope it's the beginning of our season."

READ: Manqoba Mngqithi pleased with Golden Arrows character but demands more

This wasn’t just any win for Pirates, but also a first one against a Stellies team they have failed to beat in the league in almost three years and six matches.

Ouaddou was not concerned about the pressure element that this win has taken away.

"My only target today was to find the right game plan to imbalance Stellenbosch that is a very good team. I have a lot of respect for that team, for the coach as well he's doing a fantastic job since many years,” the coach added.

“So, we know that it was dangerous and we didn't win against that team for I think two or three years. So, we succeeded on our plan, the players managed to do what we expected from them but yeah, of course we are happy."