Orlando Pirates fans left Orlando Stadium buzzing on Tuesday night after watching a match that quietly proved something big. Yes, the Buccaneers are climbing the table. Yes, they look sharper, calmer and harder to break down. But more than that, there is a growing belief that Abdeslam Ouaddou’s project is taking shape far quicker than expected.
And it was the bench, once again, that told the real story.
Super Subs Seal It Late
Pirates’ 2–0 win over Chippa United was not flashy. It was mature. It was patient. And when the moment came, it was ruthless.
Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis stepped onto the pitch and swung the game in Pirates’ favour, scoring the late goals that finally cracked a stubborn Chippa defence. Two substitutes, two finishes, and suddenly the Buccaneers were level with Mamelodi Sundowns on 25 points.
For a club that has often struggled with consistency up front, seeing attackers come off the bench and immediately shift the momentum is a welcome sight for supporters.
A Culture First Approach
Since arriving at the club, Ouaddou has repeated one message: technical ability alone is not enough; values and culture matter just as much. After this victory, he doubled down on that philosophy.
“It’s very important for a coach to install a team spirit in the club,” he said. “You can win games tactically and technically, but there is a foundation built on values. I’m very happy to have players with a big heart.”
It speaks to a changing environment at Pirates, one that feels more grounded and united. Players celebrate each other’s success. There’s less rush, more composure. And importantly, the squad appears to buy into one collective vision.
The League’s Best Defence Keeps Delivering
The transformation on the pitch has been just as noticeable. After 11 matches, Pirates still boast the best defence in the Betway Premiership, having conceded only five goals. That’s not an accident.
Ouaddou calls defending an art form, something rehearsed and executed as a team, not a task for a back four alone.
“We don’t defend with two or three players,” he explained. “It’s very important to know when, where and how we want to recover the ball. My players understand what I want, and I congratulate them.”
Opposition teams are discovering that breaking down Pirates now requires creativity, patience and often a bit of luck.
The Mbokazi Question
Off the pitch, transfer talk briefly took the spotlight after news broke that captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi could be on the verge of a R51 million move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
But Ouaddou was quick to shut down speculation.
“I’m not aware of this news. For me, Mbokazi is still my player,” he said, choosing diplomacy over drama.
Still, the rumour mill continues to spin, and supporters remain divided online. Some feel Mbokazi deserves the opportunity abroad, while others believe his leadership is too vital to let go mid-season.
Read more: Mbokazi’s R51 Million Leap: Pirates Starlet Set For Bright Future In The MLS
A Statement Performance Without Flash
This was not Pirates at full throttle. It was Pirates showing maturity. Showing depth. Showing that winning late does not mean winning lucky.
And perhaps most importantly, it was a night where their bench became the difference. Title challengers often have squads, not just starting elevens. For the first time in a while, Pirates look like they have both.
The climb continues, the momentum grows, and the Sundowns chase is officially on.
Read more on: Morton fears MLS move could jeopardise Mbokazi’s Bafana momentum on soccer mag
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Source: SABC Sport
Image Source: Orlando Pirates on X
