Lebone Seema explains how Abdeslam Ouaddou has shaped Orlando Pirates' defence

Lebone Seema explains how Abdeslam Ouaddou has shaped Orlando Pirates' defence

Pirates currently boast the meanest defence in the Betway Premiership, having conceded just five goals, and Seema believes Ouaddou's background as a former top-level defender has played a major role in shaping the team's solid structure at the back.

Both Seema and Ouaddou arrived at the Soweto giants during the off-season, joining from TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants respectively, and the transition has yielded immediate results.

Ouaddou enjoyed an accomplished playing career, earning senior caps for Morocco and featuring in the Atlas Lions side that finished runners-up at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to Tunisia in the final.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Seema explained that Pirates' defensive approach has been consistent since the start of the campaign.

"We've been doing the same thing since the beginning of the season - defending together, keeping the team compact and just putting it to work," the Bucs defender said.

"Of course, the coach puts a bit of pressure on us, but his main focus is on the defence."

Pirates' defensive solidity has underpinned a highly successful season so far, with the club already lifting three trophies - the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Carling Cup.

In the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers currently occupy second place on the log with 29 points from 13 matches, sitting three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more.

The 22-year-old defender added that winning the league remains a major objective for the squad as they continue their pursuit of silverware.

"As a team, we said we want to win the league," Seema added.

"To do that, we need to keep winning games and adding trophies."

Pirates will look to maintain their title challenge when they host bottom-of-the-table Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Magesi have collected 11 points from 14 matches so far this season.
 

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