'League title race a marathon' - Abdeslam Ouaddou | OneFootball

'League title race a marathon' - Abdeslam Ouaddou | OneFootball

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·29 January 2026

'League title race a marathon' - Abdeslam Ouaddou

Article image:'League title race a marathon' - Abdeslam Ouaddou

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Ouaddou adamant title race far from over


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Article image:'League title race a marathon' - Abdeslam Ouaddou

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackPagePix

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the Betway Premiership title race is far from being over, despite other teams having played over 15 matches already.

The Buccaneers currently sit third and three points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 32 points, having played two games more, alongside second-placed Kazier Chiefs.

With games coming thick and fast following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hiatus, Ouaddou insists the title race is still in the early stages, and banks on squad depth to get his side over the line.

“This league is one of the best and one of the toughest in Africa, I can guarantee you that. The race is like a marathon and you have to be consistent in every game, every weekend you have to be consistent,” he said.

"We have depth, of course, we have good players. Everybody is important in our team, everybody will have the moment to express themselves and to help the team.

"For us, we are focused on every games to win, and at the end of the league we will count the points and we will see what happens. Step by step we are working hard and at the end of the league we can speak.

Pirates will be eager to return to winning ways when they host Magesi FC at the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, following a goalless stalemate against Sekhukhune United at the weekend.

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