Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed the Betway Premiership as Africa’s top league, but criticised the waterlogged pitch at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium after their gritty win over Polokwane City on Wednesday.
Coming off a strong Soweto derby triumph against Kaizer Chiefs, the Buccaneers fought hard against a compact Rise and Shine side. Relebohile Mofokeng opened the scoring, but Bonginkosi Dlamini equalised late before substitute Patrick Maswanganyi netted the 90th-minute winner.
The heavy rain made the surface slippery and difficult for fluid football. Ouaddou praised his players’ resilience but questioned why the match wasn’t moved to the nearby modern New Peter Mokaba Stadium, arguing that better conditions are needed for players and fans in such a high-calibre league.
“In that case, sometimes I don’t understand you have a magnificent stadium next to that stadium and I think it’s the image of the PSL because PSL is one of the best – it’s the best league in Africa,” the French-Moroccan tactician told SuperSport TV.
“So, I think we have to put the teams in the right condition to play nice football for the fans you understand. But coming to the game, we were very brave, we wanted to start the game and score early but unfortunately, we didn’t. But we created so many, so many, so many chances and I will say well done boys.”
Pirates will aim to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Betway Premiership with a victory over Richards Bay at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.
