Pirates’ winning streak because of hard work

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said Orlando Pirates’ winning streak is because of character and hard work as he once again lavished praise on his players after they beat Siwelele in the Carling Knockout on Saturday.

A wonder strike three minutes from time from 20-year-old captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi saw Pirates win 1-0 to book a place in the quarterfinals.

It was an eighth successive victory for the Buccaneers, who were bundled out in the first round of the Carling Knockout last season by eventual winners Magesi.

“My team and I were expecting a very tough game. I had listened to their coach (Lehlohonolo Seema) in the (pre-match) press conference, and he said that he would come for results,” said Ouaddou of Saturday’s clash at the Orlando Stadium.

“So I guessed that he would come with a medium block, low block. We worked on that but it was not easy. I said that the game would be won by small details. And it came from a central defender, a fantastic shot from maybe 30-40 yards. I'm very proud of my boys.

“They showed again great personality, great character. It's not only luck, it's daily work, it's belief, it's quality, trust between them, trust with the technical staff and just I'd like to congratulate my staff and my players for this game.”

Ouaddou said he knew of Mbokazi’s ability from long range, after he cracked home the winner with his left foot.

“I'm not surprised because he has a very, very strong shot. He’s shown it many times in training. He took the decision to shoot from 30-40 yards. He’s a guy who believes in himself.

“You cannot shoot from 40 yards when you don't trust yourself, when you don't believe in yourself, and when you don't believe in your qualities. It's really a goal that delivered for all the team, gives happiness to all the players and the fans as well.

“You can see that the danger can come from everywhere now in our team. It's not only the strikers, the midfielders, the weapons can come from everywhere,” added Ouaddou.