Abdel Salam Odo talks about his vision for climbing to the top of the league!

Abdeslam Ouaddou talks about his vision for climbing to the top of the league!

A new wind is blowing through the Betway Premiership as Orlando Pirates have successfully navigated their way to the league's summit. This strategic ascent was cemented by a decisive 2-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, a result that saw them displace the long-reigning Mamelodi Sundowns from the top spot.

This climb to the pinnacle is no mere coincidence. The Buccaneers have carved a path as the season's most in-form team, presenting a formidable challenge to the Tshwane giants' eight-year stranglehold on the title. For coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, this achievement is the realization of a carefully laid plan, though he is the first to temper celebration with caution.

He acknowledges that aiming for the top is the inherent duty of any coach at a club of such stature, a collective ambition shared by everyone involved. "It was our target, not only mine," Ouaddou reflected, emphasizing the teamwork behind their success.

However, he was quick to pivot the conversation from arrival to endurance. He confessed that while reaching the summit is a significant milestone, the true test—the "most difficult" part—lies in planting their flag there for the long haul. Ouaddou painted a picture of a fiercely competitive league, a "high-level" battlefield filled with "very good teams" where any lapse in concentration could be fatal.

His philosophy for survival is built on a foundation of relentless work and humility. He is tirelessly driving his players to remain focused, warning against the peril of complacency. In his view, the PSL is not just another league; he stakes its claim as one of the best on the continent, a stage where only the most disciplined and dedicated can hope to be crowned champions. The message from the helm is clear: the journey has only just begun.