Abdeslam Ouaddou says dynamic Orlando Pirates unlucky not to beat Sekhukhune United

The Buccaneers were playing their first league game back after the Africa Cup of Nations and were unable to break down a Sekhukhune side fresh off a 1-0 defeat to a struggling Stellenbosch side last week.

With Mamelodi Sundowns beating Orbit College 2-0 in their clash, the Buccaneers remained in second on the league standings with 29 points from 13 games - level with the Brazilians but with a game in hand.

Reflecting on the encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Ouaddou told SuperSport that his side played well against a "disciplined" Babina Noko but were just unlucky in front of the poles.

He said: "I thought the players did a great game in terms of intensity and creating chances in the first and second half, but the ball did not want to go in.

“That is football. I don't have any reproach for my players. They gave everything, they were disciplined, they were tactically and technically on point.”

Sekhukhune have been no slouches themselves this season and ended their afternoon in fourth place, with 26 points from 15 games.

“We were also playing a very good team, we are a bit disappointed. We deserved to win, but you have to give credit to Sekhukhune, they were organised and had good team spirit,” added Ouaddou.

"But I am not worried. If we continue to play like that we will continue to be dynamic and keep on winning."

Pirates next face bottom-side Magesi at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.