Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players appear not to have learned from their struggles this season.
Whenever the Buccaneers have failed to score, it has often been against disciplined sides with little interest in attacking football.
Teams willing to sit deep, absorb pressure and frustrate Pirates have repeatedly exposed the same weakness in Ouaddou’s side.
The Soweto giants struggled to break down both Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants in cup finals earlier this season, needing extra time on both occasions to secure victory.
Had either match gone to penalties, there is every chance Pirates could have ended up on the losing side.
Ouaddou out of ideas as Pirates struggle
Against Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Casric Stars, Pirates were not as fortunate. The lower-division side defended resolutely, frustrated the Buccaneers for long periods and eventually knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup via a penalty shootout.
Saturday’s goalless draw against Durban City was another example of the same problem. Needing a win to move within touching distance of the Betway Premiership title, Pirates once again failed to find a way through a stubborn defence.
It raises serious questions about whether Ouaddou has truly addressed one of his side’s biggest tactical shortcomings. Time and again, when opponents employ a low block, Pirates seem to run out of ideas in the final third.
Ouaddou has two trophies with Pirates but…
That weakness could yet cost them the league title if Orbit College adopt similar tactics in the decisive final match.
Pirates have looked entertaining and free-scoring at times this season, but under pressure, creativity and composure have often deserted them when it mattered most.
