The Buccaneers continue to mount a serious challenge for the league title while operating with a predominantly South African squad.

Pirates are enjoying their most competitive season in years, having already set a new club record of 62 points.

With Sundowns dropping points against Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates are now just three points behind with a game in hand - a scenario that could see them move top of the table on goal difference if they secure victory.

Rather than focusing solely on the pressure of ending their 14-year wait for the league crown, Ouaddou used his latest remarks to underline the club's broader identity and structure.

"If I have to be honest, we have to check, but I think I have the third-youngest team in the PSL. The majority of the players are South African because it's the policy of the club. They try to promote South African talent. I'm happy with that. I'm happy with the policy," he explained to the media.

The Pirates coach believes the current project is about more than just short-term success, pointing to the club's commitment to youth and local development as a key foundation for sustained competitiveness.

"For me, with the boys and the club, we are very ambitious. We are giving everything to make the fans happy after 14 or 15 years," he said, acknowledging the challenge of competing against a dominant Sundowns side.

While Pirates' resurgence has reignited belief among supporters, Ouaddou insisted that the progress must be measured beyond points and records alone, as consistency and identity remain central to the club's evolution.

He also admitted the intensity of the title race has placed significant demands on the technical team, with little room for error in preparation and planning.

"You're asking me if I sleep? I sleep maybe four or five hours every day because with my staff, we need to find solutions. We need to bring this competitiveness... to try to bring happiness to the fans," he added.

Despite acknowledging missed opportunities earlier in the campaign, Ouaddou maintained that football's unpredictability remains part of the journey - even in a season where Pirates have shown clear progress.

While breaking records has been a positive sign of growth, the coach made it clear that the ultimate measure of success will still come down to being crowned league champions.

Abdeslam Ouaddou backs Orlando Pirates to thrive on tight Richards Bay Stadium pitch