Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the neck-and-neck race with Mamelodi Sundowns is exactly what South African football needs. Photo: Backpagepix Orlando Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the tight battle in the Betway Premiership title race brings “interest and excitement” to local football, unlike when the league was all but decided midway through the season. Pirates have shown their title charge this season, leading the log standings with 44 points and asuperior goal difference,ahead of the second-placed champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are level on points after the 19th round of matches.
“There is a lot of interest, and that’s nice for football and fans,” Ouaddou said. “When the team is leading with 15 points in the middle of the season, what interest do we have? “But I think at the moment, it’s what the fans want.
It is what football can offer, and the two teams are fighting. And that’s good for South African football.” As the season approaches its final quarter, thetwo teams are widely expected to take the title race to the wire, given that they’ve shown championship credentials, with never-say-die attitudes and abilities to overcome adversities both on and off the pitch. Pirates have scored late goals, including in the 2-1 win over Polokwane City on Wednesday night, as they overcame a nervy end to the match after the hosts nearly punished them for being wasteful in front of goal.
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