{
  "id": 8729670,
  "title": "‘I hope we can keep the consistency’: Ouaddou’s Orlando Pirates warning",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/i-hope-we-can-keep-the-consistency-ouaddous-orlando-pirates-warning",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-09-20-i-hope-we-can-keep-the-consistency-ouaddous-orlando-pirates-warning/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged Orlando Pirates to maintain their current level of consistency as they transition into the next phase of the season. The South African coach, whose team remains unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions, expressed concerns about sustaining their winning form once the international break begins. Pirates closed the opening cycle with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but Ouaddou emphasized that the real challenge lies ahead. \"It's the end of the first cycle and we head into the first international break hoping to keep the consistency,\" Ouaddou told SuperSport TV. Despite the final score, the Moroccan coach acknowledged the difficulty of the match, praising the team's energy and power. The opening cycle provided an opportunity for Ouaddou to assess key players, including Thapelo Mokobodi, who was named Player of the Match in the Gallants game. Mokobodi's ability to assist and score goals has impressed Ouaddou, who believes the midfielder can make a significant impact throughout the season. Pirates currently sit just a point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership standings, with a game in hand. The coach highlighted that the upcoming three-week break will be crucial for resetting and reflecting on the first cycle's performance. With a major MTN8 final against Sundowns scheduled for October 10, Pirates will have their first chance to demonstrate whether they can carry their standards from the opening cycle into the next.",
  "summary": "Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants his unbeaten side to maintain its standards after the international break, with an MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns next on the schedule.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ouaddou urges Orlando Pirates to maintain consistency into next season.",
    "Pirates unbeaten in 11 matches across competitions.",
    "Coach notes international break as real challenge ahead."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}