Abdeslam Ouaddou eyes strong start as Orlando Pirates begin Champions League campaign

The Buccaneers have been ruthless in recent weeks, scoring 13 goals without conceding in their last five matches across all competitions.

That attacking form comes at an important stage of the season, with Pirates preparing for their preliminary round first-leg clash against Mauritian side La Cure Waves at the Cote d'Or National Sports Complex on Sunday.

Ouaddou's charges go into the encounter with confidence after dismantling Kruger United 4-0 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Moroccan coach was particularly pleased with the manner in which his team converted their opportunities, especially after struggling to turn chances into goals in some of their previous matches.

"There are some games where we've created a lot of chances, but we didn't manage to be efficient," said Ouaddou.

"In this game, we didn't create a lot of chances, but we managed to score four goals. Well done to the boys."

For Ouaddou, the timing of that improvement could not have been better, with Pirates now entering a demanding period that will also include their MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October.

"These goals came during an important phase of the season where we'll play in the Champions League and MTN8," he added.

"I think it's really important for the boys to score and bring a healthy competition that will be important going forward."

While Pirates have enjoyed a strong start domestically, the Champions League represents an opportunity to make amends for last season's disappointment.

The Soweto giants were eliminated in the final qualifying round last season after losing to St Eloi Lupopo, and Ouaddou has made it clear that progressing further this time is one of the club's major objectives.

"We have the Champions League to focus on and games that are very important for us. It's one of the most important targets of the season knowing that last season we completely failed in this competition," he said.

"This season it's really a big target for us."