Gcaba Suggests Difference Between Ouaddou & Riveiro At Pirates

Former Orlando Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba has opened up on what has changed for the Buccaneers to be so close to winning the league under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Previous Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has been hailed as the most successful coach at the club in the PSL era, after winning five trophies during his nearly three-year stay.

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However, Riveiro could not deliver the league title, after finishing second to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership for three seasons running.

In his first campaign, 2022/23, the Ghosts under the Spaniard finished 16 points behind Sundowns, 23 points behind the Brazilians in his second term, and in his third season, Pirates finished 12 points behind.

However, with two matches remaining, Bucs have a big chance to win their first league title in 14 years, as they are just three points behind leaders Sundowns (with a superior goal difference), who have played all their matches.

Gcaba has suggested that the attacking approach from Ouaddou has made the difference, compared to Riveiro, whose side was more possession-based.

"For me I'd say it's their way of playing, this season they were more different than previous seasons; this season we had a lot of attacking players, who are direct, nice combination plays," Gcaba said in an interview with Gagasi FM Sport.

"And they are scoring, Pirates throughout the seasons, even during our time, scoring (was difficult), yes we were scoring but not that much. Even defensively, (in the past) it was shaky but it's right now.

"They've improved a lot. (Goalkeeper Sipho) Chaine now has 19 clean-sheets, he could go to 20. So it's a confidence-booster that at least we're not conceding too many goals, we're scoring goals and we're winning games; that on its own plays a big part," Gcaba added.

Pirates will host Durban City in their penultimate fixture on Saturday afternoon and will end their campaign away to Orbit College on 23 May.

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