Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has stepped in to clear the air after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou criticised the team’s finishing following their 3-0 Carling Knockout Cup win over Milford FC on Tuesday night.

Ouaddou was not happy with the performance even though Pirates advanced. He pointed out that the side created 24 chances yet only scored three goals. The Moroccan coach said the team looked selfish at times and asked why players did not pass when a teammate was in a better position. He warned that settling for three goals when more were possible would not be good enough if the club wants to challenge for major trophies.

Speaking at a media briefing in Randburg on Thursday, Sibisi said the coach’s words have been taken the wrong way. “I think our coach has been misinterpreted, it’s the standard he’s set at the club, to say if we can score eight, why score three and be settled for that? We need to try and push, get as much goals as we can,” the captain explained.

The defender added that the players understand the message and are responding well. No one in the dressing room is sulking. Sibisi noted that goal difference could still decide the Betway Premiership title, so every extra goal counts. “At the end of the day, maybe the league might be won on goal difference, who knows? We take it in a positive way, and you know the boys are really reacting to what the coach has been saying – we will try and improve in front of goal. But I think so far so good.”

Pirates have been in strong form this season. They sit second in the league with 22 points from eight matches and have won their last five games across all competitions without conceding. The squad now turns its focus to the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs this weekend.

Sibisi’s comments show the squad has accepted Ouaddou’s demand for higher standards. The captain made it clear that the coach is not unhappy with winning; he simply wants the team to keep pushing when the chance is there to score more. That approach, Sibisi believes, is what a club like Pirates should expect.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2116183961432932775