Orlando Pirates may have won comfortably, but their coach made it clear the job is far from finished. After watching his side beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 4-1 in Durban, Abdeslam Ouaddou said the scoreline flattered nobody and warned his players not to take their foot off the gas during the season run-in.

He explained that statistics from the match showed many chances wasted, adding that numbers rarely lie in football. For him, a championship race is often decided by small details, and goal difference could tip the scales when rivals are neck and neck. The message was simple: turn pressure into goals and kill games early instead of leaving doors open.

Across the technical area, Tshakhuma coach Lucky Nelukau admitted his young side knew they were swimming with sharks. He said facing Pirates felt like stepping into danger, yet praised his players for fighting bravely and learning fast against top-class opposition. He also felt the hosts could have scored far more if they sharpened their finishing.

The cup tie showed Pirates have firepower, but Ouaddou wants more bite. Supporters enjoyed the display, though the coach is already looking ahead, urging his squad to build habits that will pay off when trophies are on the line.

With league battles coming thick and fast and knockout matches offering no second chances, Pirates know the margin for error is thin. The challenge has been thrown down, and now it is over to the players to prove they can walk the talk and turn promise into silverware. They must act now or risk watching rivals celebrate later this year instead.