Mental fortitude gave Orlando Pirates the edge over Chippa United according to Abdeslam Ouaddou in their 2-0 victory

Abdeslam Ouaddou has credited his team’s mental fortitude as source of their ascendancy as their 2-0 victory over Chippa United was their fourth in five matches.

Ouaddou’s Pirates are now on the same points, 25, with defending Betway Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns with one game less. Sundowns remain on top with a superior goal difference to Pirates.

Evidence Makgopa and Aswin Appollis scored at Orlando Stadium as Pirates gave bottom placed Chippa United no space chance to breathe.

“But again, my players impressed, focus it’s what I like in the game, it’s we were focused 90 minutes. We didn’t concede goals, we came back with the strength, it’s very important for me not to concede goals,” said Ouaddou to SuperSport TV after the game.

“Yes, we had to be patient especially when you play against a low-block, you need to keep calm to keep control and to find the small space we’re looking for behind the back-four.

“But the guys I have to congratulate them it was not easy mentally they were focused.”

The former Marumo gallants coach added that playing a team with so much to fight for is not easy as Chippa are desperate for points in a bid to move away from the bottom of the standings.

“I think the guys did well, I have to congratulate them you know to play against a team who are looking for points is never easy even when they are last on the log,” he said.